Foreign Minister Andrei Kozyrev reaffirmed that Russia is prepared to help North Korea convert its nuclear industry to a safer technology.
"Russia maintains its intention to provide assistance to North Korea in converting its nuclear plants from graphite-moderated, heavy-water reactors to light-water," Kozyrev said, speaking Friday at a session of the
State Duma, the parliament's lower house.
The conversion would make it more difficult for North Korea to make nuclear weapons. North Korea itself has requested a light-water reactor.
Kozyrev said he expected that North Korea would soon be ready to continue talks with the United States and South Korea on its nuclear program as the country emerges from a period of national mourning after the recent death of its leader Kim Il-sung.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.