Russia, N.Korea to sign agreement on prevention of dangerous military activities
MOSCOW. Dec 15 (Interfax) - Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has ordered the Russian government to sign an agreement on prevention of dangerous military activities with the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
According to a decree posted on the official legal news portal, the Defense Ministry has been ordered to hold talks with North Koreans and concerned federal agencies and upon completion of such talks sign the agreement on behalf of the government.
The draft agreement underscores that the Russian and DPRK governments have reaffirmed their willingness to improve the bilateral relationship and deepen mutual understanding.
Both Russia and the DPRK are convinced that it is necessary "to prevent dangerous military activities and promptly and peacefully resolve any incident between the parties' armed forces, which could arise as a result of dangerous military activities."
"In the interests of mutual security, the personnel of either party shall act with the utmost caution and prudence while conducting activities close to the territory or the armed forces of the other party," the draft agreement said.
Under the document, Russia and the DPRK will implement necessary measures to prevent the personnel (equipment) of either party from entering the territory of the other party as a result of force-majeure or unintentional actions.
The parties also undertake to prevent use of laser whose radiation could harm the personnel or damage the equipment of the other state, as well as "the creation of interferences capable of hampering efforts to provide national security in an area of special consideration."
"The parties shall implement whatever measures possible to promptly ensure discontinuation and peaceful resolution, without resorting to the threat and use of force, of any incident which could arise as a result of dangerous military activities," the document said.