Russia urges caution after North Korea nuclear test

MOSCOW, Oct 24 (Reuters) Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov today cautioned other participants in six-round talks on North Korea against taking any hasty steps that could inflame the situation following Pyongyang's October 9 nuclear test.

Lavrov, speaking in St Petersburg, recalled Moscow had urged North Korea to show maximum restraint and return to negotiations with South Korea, the United States, Russia, China and Japan.

''In Moscow, it is hoped that all participants in the negotiations will proceed from similar positions and will not undertake any steps that could heat up the atmosphere,'' he was quoted as saying by Interfax news agency. Itar-Tass news agency also quoted Lavrov as saying Moscow hoped Pyongyang would not carry out a second nuclear test.

REUTERS SY HS1409