Russia hails resumption of N.Korea six-way talks

MOSCOW, Oct 31 (Reuters) Russia is ''extremely positive'' about North Korea's decision to resume six-party talks on its nuclear programme, Itar-Tass news agency quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alexeyev as saying today.

''We sincerely hope that these talks will resume in the very near future,'' Alexeyev told the agency. He said he would head Russia's delegation when the six-way talks finally resumed.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said earlier today that after holding an informal meeting with China and the United States, North Korea had agreed to resume six-party talks.

The three countries had agreed to resume talks at a time convenient for all six parties. The other participants in the talks are South Korea and Japan.

''Six-way talks have now been given a chance,'' Alexeyev said.

REUTERS AKJ RK1915