France (la République française)
RUSSIAN MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS IGOR IVANOV SPEAKS BY TELEPHONE TO THE MINISTERS OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE PRC, FRANCE AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND THE US SECRETARY OF STATE
Unofficial translation from Russian
PRESS RELEASE
Igor Ivanov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, has had telephone conversations with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the PRC, France and the Republic of Korea and the US Secretary of State. The continuing exacerbation of the situation around the Korean Peninsula was discussed.
There was stressed on the Russian side its principled stand in favor of the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons and a nuclear-free status for the Korean Peninsula, while at the same time drawing the interlocutors' attention to the need for an active search of ways to resolve the conflict situation by peaceful means, without pressure or threats, with strict observance of the existing international obligations.
The escalation of tension has to be urgently brought to a stop. And the decision can only be a package one. The way toward this lies through a constructive dialogue that takes into consideration the interests of all the parties involved and meets the purpose of attaining a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula. Russia intends to proceed with its vigorous diplomatic efforts for the promotion of such a dialogue, including that between the DPRK and the United States.
It was agreed to continue close diplomatic contacts on this issue.
January 11, 2003