Russia offers to mediate US-North Korea dialogue

Russia is ready to mediate between North Korea and the United States if both sides agree to let Moscow play this role.

A screen showing the missile launch in Pyongyang on July 29. Photo: AFP.

"Russia's readiness to pave the way for de-escalation is obvious,"Reutersquoted Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, said today.

Russian Foreign MinisterSergei Lavrov yesterday called on Washington and Pyongyang to start dialogue, saying Moscow was ready to facilitate the talks.

Although US diplomats say they are pursuing a diplomatic solution, President Donald Trump has said Pyongyang must commit to giving up its nuclear weapons before any dialogue can begin.

The United Nations Security Council last week imposed new sanctions on North Korea in response to its recent intercontinental ballistic missile test. Pyongyang called the measures an act of war, tantamount to a total economic blockade.

Moscow has long called on the United States and North Korea to negotiate to reduce tensions over the North's nuclear and missile programs, which it is pursuing in defiance of Security Council resolutions.

According to VNE