Beijing talks did not feature N. Korea nuclear programme

Alexander Losyukov, the chief Russian delegate and deputy foreign minister, has told journalists North Korean nuclear program "was not specifically discussed" during the hexapartite negotiations in Beijing.

According to Losyukov, at the talks North Korean representatives said Pyongyang stood for the non-nuclear status of the Korean peninsula and was not interested in nuclear weapons possession.

"Our experts think N. Korea has no nuclear weapons and technology possession does not necessarily imply the presence of physical nuclear weapons," said Losyukov.

Speaking about the negotiating sides' positions, Losyukov mentioned there were common views, but also differences, first of all, between the USA and North Korea. Russian and Chinese positions were the closest.

"Between us there exists mutual understanding of common principles and approaches towards the solution of North Korea's nuclear issue," he said.