Russian-American consultations on North Korean nuclear problem begin in Washington

Russian deputy foreign minister Alexander Losyukov and James Kelly, US assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, began the Russian-American consultations on the North Korean nuclear problem in the US State Department.

The State Department's press service reported the sides will discuss preparation for the second round of the six-sided negotiations on the North Korean problem, which are expected to be held in December. Taking part in them will be Russia, the USA, Japan, China and two Koreas.

According to the South Korean and Japanese mass media, a new round of the six-sided negotiations has been scheduled for December 17-19 in Beijing. But US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher refused to confirm this timeframe.

According to him, James Kelly has just completed his visit to Asia where he discussed the problem of the North Korean nuclear program with the Japanese, South Korean and Chines representatives, and now will continue consultations on the same questions with a representative of the Russian foreign ministry.