Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry: Ban of military practices and direct contact between Seoul and Pyongyang are to reduce tension at the Korean peninsula

Moscow welcomes the fact that Washington and Seoul refrained from military practices during the Olympics in South Korea, according to Deputy Foreign Ministry Sergei Ryabkov, RIA News informs.

He believes that there is still a chance to stabilize the situation. This is time to take a time-out in this quickly escalating situation that’s been developing for the last few months.

Deputy Minister mentioned that Moscow more than once called the US and South Korea for taking this step and finally our reasoning was heard.

He is sure that it’s necessary to focus on diplomatic ways to solve the problem and start negotiations.

Washington and Seoul announced their agreement to postpone the planned military practice around the Korean peninsula. The decision is based on the fact that the South and the North Korea started establishing direct contacts. Official Representative of the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry Maria Zakharova has remarked that this will reduce tension at the Korean peninsula.

Annual maneuveres of Foal Eagle and Key Resolve practice including all kinds of troops usually take place at the end of winter. This year they would coincide with the Olympics and Paralympics.

The North Korea considers the American-South Korean military practice as a rehearsal of their invasion into the North Korea and take actions in response. In their turn Seoul and Washington believe them to be provocations. So, the government of the South Korea is worried that actions of Pyongyang would adversely affect the sport event.

Russkiy Mir