S. Korea, Russia to discuss N. Korean nuclear problem

By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- Top South Korean and Russian nuclear envoys will hold
a meeting in Moscow later this week to coordinate their approach towards North
Korea's nuclear and missile threats, Seoul's foreign ministry said Monday.
"Wi Sung-lac, special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security
affairs, will leave for Russia on Tuesday for consultations with Alexei
Borodavkin, head of Russia's delegation to the six-way talks (on North Korea's
nuclear program)," ministry spokesman Moon Tae-young said in a press briefing.
The fate of the stalled talks, which also involve the United States, China, and
Japan, has come into question amid the North's increasing belligerence following
its second nuclear test on May 25.
"The South Korean government is in close consultation with related nations for a
response through international cooperation in the wake of North Korea's nuclear
test," Moon added. "His upcoming to trip to Russia is part of such efforts."
He said Wi and Borodavkin, in their meeting slated for Wednesday, will discuss
various issues including Seoul's push for a five-way consultation session that
excludes Pyongyang.
In his latest summit with U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington last week,
President Lee Myung-bak proposed a five-way meeting designed to discuss carrot
and stick measures that could entice the North to return to the bargaining table.
The foreign ministry spokesman stressed that the five-way event, if held, would
constitute "consultations," not talks, apparently mindful of China's negative
view towards the proposed gathering. China has played host to the six-way talks
since their inception in 2003.
Wi plans to return to Seoul on Thursday.
lcd@yna.co.kr
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