Moscow favours political,diplomatic solution of North Korea crisis

Russia has condemned North Korea's latest missile test over mainland Japan, but said it is in favour of political and diplomatic settlement 'on the basis of the Russian-Chinese roadmap'.

"Moscow is in favour political and diplomatic settlement and the launch of the negotiating process on the basis of the Russian-Chinese roadmap. Settling the Korean Peninsula problem exclusively by peaceful means is in the interests of the entire world community. We are inviting all interested countries to pool efforts and to do their best to reach our common goal as soon as possibl,"Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Friday.

On September 15, North korea launched a medium-range ballistic missile over Japanese territory - several days after the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2375. We would like to emphasise again the need for its strict observance.

Terming North Korea's latest violation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions as a source of deep regret,the spokeswoman said, "We are convinced that now it is more important than ever before for all parties involved to stop escalating tensions that are accompanying every new round of reactions and counter reactions."

Russia has also criticised the administration of Donald Trump for its "aggressive" role in the crisis, "Regrettably, aggressive rhetoric is the only thing coming from Washington." Zakharova said, "It is necessary to stop and thoroughly weigh the consequences of one's steps and revise the policy of reciprocal pressure and intimidation, which is absolutely counterproductive."

The Kremlin said on Friday that North Korea's latest missile test was part of a series of unacceptable provocations and that the United Nations Security Council was united in believing such launches should not be taking place.

North Korea said on Saturday it aimed to reach an "equilibrium" of military force with the United States after Pyongyang fired a second missile over Japan on Friday.

"Our final goal is to establish the equilibrium of real force with the US and make the US rulers dare not talk about military option," North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was quoted as saying by the state news agency, KCNA.