Putin Is Positive On Promoting A Korean Thaw

President Vladimir Putin of Russia said Wednesday that peace and stability on the Korean peninsula are among Russia's top foreign policy priorities.

During a speech delivered at the National Assembly, the Russian president said he sees recent developments in inter-Korean relations positively and that he will continue to support the thawing in relations between the two Koreas. In particular, Mr. Putin emphasized that cooperation between North and South Korea should take place at both sides' own initiatives without interference from outside.

A peaceful resolution of the remaining problems, non-proliferation of missiles, advancement of stability through international law and multilateral participation in business projects are also among the principles that Mr. Putin said the Russian government will follow in its policy toward the Korean peninsula.

In an oblique reference to the national missile defense that the United States has proposed, Mr. Putin said the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty remains the cornerstone of international security and that any attempt to go against the treaty will undermine the stability of the world.

In the joint statement released after the summit meeting Tuesday, South Korea appeared to side with Russia in criticizing the United States for pursuing the missile shield. However, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said Wednesday that South Korea has yet to formulate its position on the matter.

Shortly before leaving Seoul Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Putin held talks with opposition leader Lee Hoi-chang. Saying that he wishes to promote North Korea into a viable member of the international community, Mr. Lee asked for Russia's help in improving the relations between North and South Korea.

Mr. Putin replied that North Korea should not be left isolated and that integrating North Korea into the international community is vital for it to pursue transparent and predictable policies. He also said he believed the opposition leader will support joint business projects between South Korea and Russia in the National Assembly.

by Lee Soo-ho