"We are convinced that the talks in this format can and should be restored," Mr. Lavrov said.
According to him, this format implies the observation of the nuclear non-proliferation regime with account for legal interests of the state security.
"We adhere to the principles of the nuclear-free status of the Korean peninsula and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons," Mr. Lavrov emphasized.
In his words, consultations on the North Korean problems are held on the permanent basis.
"No mechanisms to exclude North Korea from the talks are proposed," Mr. Lavrov said.
On Thursday Pyongyang announced its withdrawal from the six-nation talks on the North Korean nuclear problem involving representatives of Russia, the United States, South Korea, China, and Japan and for the first time admitted the creation of nuclear weapons of its own.
