Comment by the Information and Press Department on developments on the Korean Peninsula

1428-31-07-2017

The latest developments on the Korean Peninsula have become a matter of grave concern against the backdrop of yet another launch of a ballistic missile by the DPRK on July 28 in stark violation of UN Security Council resolutions. At the same time, the United States, the Republic of Korea and Japan have stepped up their military activity, as Washington carries on with its plans to deploy elements of its global missile defence system to the sub-region by installing them in South Korea.

Russia calls on all the parties involved to refrain from any steps that could further escalate tensions. We view as groundless attempts undertaken by the US and a number of other countries to shift responsibility to Russia and China, almost blaming Moscow and Beijing for indulging the DPRK’s missile and nuclear ambitions.

In this context, it is worth remembering that it was the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China who developed the joint roadmap aimed at preventing any use or threat of force and providing for a comprehensive solution to issues related to the Korean Peninsula, including the nuclear issue, through political and diplomatic means by promoting dialogue without preconditions. Russia calls on all the stakeholders to launch meaningful talks on ways to settle the situation through collective efforts based on the ideas set forth in the roadmap.