Lasting peace on Korean peninsula only possible in absence of U.S. pressure - Patrushev

MOSCOW. April 6 (Interfax) - The United States' actions are only increasing tensions on the Korean peninsula, Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev said.

"I am convinced that a lasting peace in this sub-region is only possible in the absence of U.S. pressure. Provocations and other destructive steps on their [U.S.] part only lead to more instability and potentially could lead to an armed clash, something to be avoided," Patrushev told the Kommersant newspaper.

North Korea's statements that it might use nuclear weapon were its answer to Seoul's actions, he said.

"I will recall that these statements were made in response to the remarks by the defense minister of the Republic of Korea, Suh Wook, about the possibility of Seoul launching a preemptive strike on the DPRK [Democratic People's Republic of Korea]," Patrushev said.

"For years, Seoul's position has been well-considered and constructive, aimed at preventing a standoff between the two Koreas. Yet it is obvious that such a balanced line could not suit Washington, which is putting unprecedented pressure on the Republic of Korea, as reflected in the remarks by the leadership of the South Korean defense ministry," Patrushev said.

Washington's steps "to ruin the architecture of regional security in the Asia Pacific Region" include forming alliances such as "the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue" and AUKUS, "pumping America's regional allies with modern weapons," exacerbating territorial controversies in the South China Sea," Patrushev said.