Russia Calls On Pyongyang To Show Restraint

Russia’s Foreign Ministry has met with North Korea’s ambassador to express Moscow’s concerns about Pyongyang’s recent actions.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov met with North Korean Ambassador Kim Yong Jae on April 12.

Morgulov urged North Korea to "refrain from actions which can lead to a further escalation of violence" and also called on Pyongyang to return to the negotiating table and seek a diplomatic solution to problems on the Korean Peninsula.

Earlier on the same day in Seoul, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said North Korea’s threats of war are "unacceptable" and that the United States "will, if needed, defend our allies and defend ourselves."

In recent weeks North Korea has threatened to launch a nuclear strike and said a "state of war" exists with South Korea.

Based on reporting by ITAR-TASS, Interfax, and AFP