Moscow does not help North Korea develop nuclear programme

Moscow has refuted foreign media reports claiming that Russia is helping North Korea develop its nuclear programme. When asked whether North Korea develops the nuclear programme, Aleksandr Yakovenko, an official spokesman for the Russian foreign ministry, said it was absolutely untrue.

As depository of the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Russia has been sparing no effort to ensure observance of the Treaty, which is vital for strategic stability /in the region/, according to Mr Yakovenko.

Russia suspended co-operation even in the peaceful use of nuclear power with North Korea in 1993, when the latter announced its pullout from the Treaty. Russia has not ever since maintained nuclear energy-related contacts with that country, said Aleksandr Yakovenko.