Russia proposes informal, open talks on N Korea nuclear issue

Moscow, Aug 20 (UNI) Russia's envoy at the six-party talks on North Korean nuclear issues, Vladimir Rakhmanin today said, ahead of the meeting, that working group talks should enable all sides to freely put forward ideas on Pyongyang's nuclear programme. The talks here, under the chairmanship of Mr Rakhmanin, ares being attended by delegations from the other five countries --South and North Korea, China, the United States and Japan-- involved in negotiations on the North Korean nuclear issue.

''We are satisfied that at this difficult time for the DPRK, following a recent flooding in the country, the North Korean delegation has traveled to Moscow and is ready to discuss security matters,'' Mr Rakhmanin said.

''It is not our intention to formalise the meeting. It is important to listen to the opinions of all sides and discuss current matters. We believe that this will be a 'brainstorming' session,'' he said.

Asked whether North Korea's recent missile tests would be discussed, he said, ''If one of the parties decides to raise issues related to creating a peace and security system in Northeast Asia, we will listen to it.'' He, however, added that the main forum for such discussions would be ''two working groups, to meet later this month to discuss the normalisation of relations between North Korea and the US and between North Korea and Japan.'' UNI