MOSCOW. Jan 10 (Interfax-AVN) - Russia has reaffirmed its position in favor of the nuclear-free status of the Korean Peninsula and for maintenance and reinforcement of the non- proliferation of weapons of mass destruction regime.
"Our position on this issue is steadfast and unchangeable," Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a news conference after talks with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Friday in Moscow.
The North Korean leaders "have left the door open for negotiations," Putin pointed out.
Concerns of all sides should be eased during such talks, he added.
Russia is prepared to help in the process of restoring full- scale relations between Japan and North Korea. This should proceed "actively and gradually," he said.
"We are maintaining ongoing contacts with the Japanese prime minister and the North Korean side on this issue," he said.
Koizumi's visit to Pyongyang last fall was "a courageous and efficient step," he said.
The visit brought about tangible "results and was a very important gesture for peace in the region," he said.
The visit created a good foundation for expansion of Japan- North Korea ties and discussion of sensitive issues that have not been addressed.
"Despite their complexity, the problems on the Korean Peninsula can be resolved via talks," he said.