Posted on 10/09/2006 3:53:19 PM PDT by Tailgunner Joe
Russia's Foreign Ministry says the international community should take a measured response to North Korea's announced nuclear test.
In a press statement, the ministry says the North Korean action threatens the peace, safety and stability of the region. It also calls for Pyongyang to return to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and agree to new talks.
North Korea was a signatory of the treaty, but withdrew from it in 2003. Pyongyang also pulled out of six-party negotiations about its nuclear program last year, talks that included Russia.
Along with China, Moscow maintains cordial diplomatic relations with Pyongyang, but Russia has been unable to use its leverage to convince North Korea to change course.
The ministry gave no indication whether Russia might now back sanctions against North Korea because of the test; in the past Moscow has resisted such a move.
But during a Cabinet meeting, President Vladimir Putin indicated he was not happy about what has happened.
Mr. Putin calls the move a bad development for the Korean people, adding that it causes huge damage to efforts aimed at restricting the spread of nuclear weapons.
He spoke just after Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov reported what appeared to be an underground blast was detected in North Korea. Russia estimated the strength of the explosion would be equivalent to between 500 and 15,00 tons of dynamite.
Russia has sensors located in its Far Eastern region close to the border with North Korea.
Pyongyang conducted the test just three days after the U.N. Security Council made a unanimous call for North Korea not to test a nuclear weapon.
Oh, this is rich.
This is gut-check time.
Our options are pretty limited. Either bring down the current NK regime, or invite them "to return to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and agree to new talks."
And, a couple of months from now, make the same invitation to Tehran. Because Tehran's nuke isn't far behind. If we don't do anything to Pyongyang, Tehran knows they are home free.
Russia urges restraint.Translation...."hey,there's plenty more $$$ to be made here and we won't let anyone spoil it for us".
I say nuke Pyonyang and Tehran today. Build a Disneyland next to each after making the remains a huge parking lot.
I wonder if any Georgians saw this and felt like spitting.
The Lithuanians must feel like laughing at this title.
It seems more clear than ever that Russia only cares how people are treated who have the power of big booms. The smaller countries are free to be bullied and threatened.
Yes it is....Russians getting rich.
Didn't one of Putin's outspoken opponents just get murdered...some lady??
Lies. We've heard crap like this before. It's what butchers and tyrants always say to sheep before slaughtering them. Makes the job easier. Now's no different. Baaa-Baaa...
I doubt that Russia fears that one bit, cause it would be China that gets the invasion before Russia. Russia more than likely is enjoying this threat against US, especially after we took out their oil kingpin old Saddam.
Two -- four -- six -- eight;
Who do we really hate???
George Bush, That's Who!!
I propose we send a fat, ugly broad named Madeline to suck up to Kim. It worked SO well last time. Or we could allow Japan and Australia to maintain their own nukes and delivery system. Hmmm. What to do?
..whereupon they will ship them to the Ukraine where they will be taught the proper way to starve.
How about a nuclear Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
Maybe a nuclear Chechnya? Then we can urge the Russians to restrain themselves.
Of course the mother of all proliferators urges this.
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