Russia warns NKorea against conducting more nuke tests

Moscow, Jan 31 (UNI) Russia today warned North Korea that the international community would take tougher measures against Pyongyang, if it conducted more nuclear tests.

''I believe, in case of new tests, there will be a very negative response from the international community and perhaps tougher measures will be taken. I do not know if our North Korean partners need this,'' Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov told Interfax news agency, ahead of six-nation talks on North Korean nuclear programmes.

Mr Losyukov will lead the Russian delegation at the talks, scheduled for February 8, in Beijing.

He also said Russia was not prepared to discuss the possibility of selling a light water nuclear reactor to North Korea.

''It would be premature to discuss this issue now,'' he said, adding ''We have such technical possibilities. However, it would be too bold to say today that we will deliver a reactor to Pyongyang,'' he said.

Mr Losyukov noted Russia did not expect the talks in Beijing will produce definite agreements.

''In my opinion, there is almost no chance of reaching any definite, important agreements during these negotiations. However, it may be possible to map out ways of securing them at subsequent meetings,'' he said.

Meanwhile, the Iranian Embassy in Moscow, denied reports that North Korea was assisting Tehran in preparations to stage nuclear tests.

''The Islamic Republic of Iran denies these rumours alleging North Korea is helping Iran prepare to conduct nuclear tests'' the Embassy said in a statement today.

UNI