Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday he believes that the US approach to pressing nuclear issues, such as Iran nuclear deal and North Korea’s nukes, only worsen the existing problems in the world.
“The loss of mutual trust causes deep concern… Unfortunately, these negative trends have only been exacerbated by the US decision to actually withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear program and as a result of Washington’s threats to solve the Korean Peninsula’s problem by military means,” Lavrov said, speaking at the World Festival of Youth and Students in Sochi.
He added that the US decision on Iran showed their unreliability and, thus, there is no reason for North Korea to negotiate with them.
At the same time, Russian foreign minister called the Pyongyang’s behavior provocative, as the country violates UN Security Council resolutions.
The joint week-long navy drills of the US and South Korean fleets have kicked off today. About 40 vessels, including the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, are taking part in maneuvers in the waters around the Korean Peninsula.
The exercises come against the backdrop of escalating pressure on the Korean peninsula over Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear tests.
On the other hand, the top Russian diplomat also underlined that Moscow was ready for fair interaction with the United States, NATO and the European Union.
“Despite the Russophobic sentiments of a certain part of the elites in the West, we are always open to fair interaction with the United States, the European Union, and NATO,” Lavrov said.
Source: Sputnik
