Question: What is your reaction to Russia’s announcement that it will hold joint naval exercises with North Korea in 2012?
Answer: We are aware from press reports that Russia and North Korea have announced their intention to hold joint naval exercises next year.
We refer you to the Russian government for details of what those exercises might entail.
Any engagement with the North Koreans should be conducted in a way that does not detract from the international community’s clear message of concern about the North’s weapons programs, and the necessity for Pyongyang to do what is necessary to return to the Six-Party talks.
