Russia, DPRK still have differences over peninsula

MOSCOW - Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) still differ on "a number of significant aspects" over the solutions to the problems on the Korean Peninsula, a Russian official said Friday.

"There are still a number of significant aspects on which the stances (of Russia and DPRK) differ for now. We will continue active and consistent work with all partners for the six-party talks in order to find mutually acceptable outcomes," Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov told reporters.

Morgulov was making comments on his talks with visiting DPRK first vice foreign minister Kim Kye-gwan on Thursday, which he described as "intensive, meaningful and business-like."

"The sides confirmed they are both willing to search for political and diplomatic solutions to the problems on the Korean Peninsula and discussed various modes of relaunching the six-party talks," said the Russian diplomat.

Russia has been generally positive on exchanges of opinions already held, he added.

Besides Morgulov, Kim Kye-gwan also held a five-hour meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Titov, and they focused on prospects for resuming the six-party talks.