N Korea sanctions counter-productive Russia

MOSCOW, July 6 (Reuters) Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said today it wouild be counter-productive at this stage for the United Nations to discuss sanctions against North Korea over its missile launches.

''Trying to talk straight away about the threat of sanctions leads to reciprocal threats from North Korea, as has happened several times before. And then you still have to return to negotiations, only then it will be in a more tense atmosphere,'' Mr Lavrov told reporters.

''The Security Council should discuss this situation firmly but without hysterics. This is Russia's approach and we expect that the Security Council's decision will be along the same lines,'' Mr Lavrov said.

The Security Council is considering sanctions on North Korea after the reclusive state test-fired a series of missiles including a long-range weapon. China, like Russia a veto-holder in the Council, has also said it opposes sanctions.

REUTERS SB RK1820