Asia-Pacific

S.Korean nuclear envoy to visit Russia

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-12-16 13:36

SEOUL: Wi Sung-lac, Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs, is leaving for Russia on Wednesday to discuss ways to resume the six-party nuclear talks.

During his visit to Moscow, Wi is scheduled to meet with Alexei Borodavkin, Russia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss future plans on how to resume the currently stalled six- party talks over the denuclearization of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

They are also expected to have in-depth discussions on how to proceed with the "Grand Bargain" deal proposed by the South Korean government.

The proposal calls on the DPRK for a complete denuclearization in exchange for a security guarantee and economic aid granted by the international community.

"This meeting has been delayed due to the US Special Envoy Stephen Bosworth's visit to Pyongyang last week," a government source was quoted as saying by local Yonhap News Agency, adding that "not only the 'Grand Bargain' deal will be discussed but evaluation of Bosworth's visit and consultation on future plans are on the agenda."

Wi is also scheduled to meet with a number of senior-level Russian representatives and will fly back to Seoul on Saturday.

In an effort to bring the DPRK back to discussions, Bosworth paid a three-day visit to Pyongyang last week and both parties recognized the need to resume the six-party talks.