Pyongyang readiness for nuke dialogue positive signal-RF FM

MOSCOW, July 27 (Itar-Tass) - Russia regards Pyongyang's statement on
the readiness to hold a dialogue on the North Korean nuclear problem as "a
positive signal," a source in the Russian Foreign Ministry told Itar-Tass
on Monday. "It is a sign of the known flexibility (of Pyongyang)," said
the FM source. "This is movement in the right direction," he added.
"We would like to believe that this is a sign that the understanding
of the fact that there is no alternative to the talks is growing," the
source noted. "We proceed from the assumption that the format that had
been formed was the optimal. It is hardly worthwhile now to speak about
the participants' change." He added. At the same time the diplomat
stressed that the "non-resumption or refusal from the six-sided talks that
were held does not mean that different negotiations in the same format are
impossible."
In the view of the source, "various formats are possible" in the talks
on the settlement of the North Korean nuclear problem, including on a
bilateral basis. "The work is underway in different formats," the source
noted. "Everybody is thinking of how to find a way out of the situation,
however, it is necessary to determine the negotiations' agenda," he said.
The North Korean Foreign Ministry earlier said that Pyongyang did not
intend to resume the talks on the nuclear problem of the Korean Peninsula,
however, was ready to participate in other formats for the consideration
of the situation.
North Korean Ambassador to the United Nations Sin Son Ho last Friday
declared "the six-party talks are gone forever," while indicating North
Korea would be interested in resuming direct dialogue with the United
States, saying, "We are not against any negotiation for the issues of
common concern."
-0-ezh/gor