Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says that concerns about the sinking of South Korea’s "Cheonan" must be mollified and that preparations to resume the six-party nuclear talks must begin.

Russian news agency RIA Novosti quoted Lavrov in Moscow as urging efforts to avoid escalating emotions in regards to the Cheonan incident and to prepare the conditions that will help facilitate the recommencing of the six-way talks.

Lavrov said the U.N. Security Council chairman's statement on the Cheonan was a balanced decision reflecting agreed international assessments.