Hydrogen bomb tests in N. Korea directly affect Russia's security - Kosachyov
MOSCOW. Jan 6 (Interfax) - Russia cannot ignore the actions taken by North Korea to implement its nuclear program, Konstantin Kosachyov, the head of the Federation Council committee on international affairs, said.
"The North Korean nuclear program is implemented by a country that borders on Russia. The distance between Pyongyang and Vladivostok is less than 700 km. And any actions taken by North Korea on this track directly affect our country's national security," Kosachyov said on Facebook.
He added that "Russia is doing its best" to fulfill "the Security Council resolution, [which] envisages the lifting of sanctions from North Korea if the country fulfils the demands made by the international community such as Pyongyang's giving up nuclear weapons and all its military nuclear missile programs."
"However, it's a situation when everyone without exception should 'fight in the field.' There should be no double standards here based on he principle 'we will have everything and our enemies will have international law'," the senator said.
Kosachyov said "it will be interesting to watch U.S. behavior during discussions in the UN Security Council."
"It's a situation when they really have special responsibility and a unique opportunity to manifest their leadership skills. Start with themselves," Kosachyov said.
North Korean television reported earlier that the first test of a thermonuclear bomb had been successfully carried out in North Korea.
The special statement says: "The halt of nuclear development and the dismantling of nuclear facilities by North Korea will not become possible until the U.S. gives up its hostile policies."
The UN Security Council has made a decision on the initiative of the U.S. and Japan to hold an emergency session in regard of the North Korean test.