Putin discusses N Korean nuclear test with Chinese special envoy

Moscow, Oct 14 (UNI) Russian President Vladimir Putin today held talks with Tang Jiaxuan, the visiting special envoy of the Chinese President Hu Jintao, on the North Korean nuclear test.

''The coordination of positions on international issues, including the situation surrounding the North Korean nuclear programme, one of the most sensitive and acute issues, is extremely important,'' Mr Putin said at the start of the talks.

Earlier, Mr Jiaxuan discussed the North Korean nuclear test with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov.

The two sides condemned the underground nuclear test North Korea claimed it had conducted Monday, but spoke against economic sanctions, let alone military action, against Pyonyang.

''UN sanctions must not even hint on military action and must not be aimed against the North Korean people,'' Mr Ivanov told mediapersons after his talks with Mr Jiaxuan.

''Political and diplomatic efforts must aim to resume the six-party talks as soon as possible,'' he added.

Mr Jiaxuan arrived in Moscow from Washington, where he met US President George W Bush to discuss the nuclear test and developments on the Korean peninsula, in general.

The UN Security Council is expected to vote today on the US-sponsored resolution to impose sanctions on North Korea.

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