Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the six-party talks on the North Korean nuclear issue could resume in the year's first half.

In an interview with Japan's state-run NHK TV, Lavrov said resuming the dialogue during the first half is possible and the talks are likely to open unless a provocation occurs.

The minister said he believes North Korea under the rule of Kim Jong-un is headed in the direction of stabilization and the ruling class is gathering power in a new environment.

He also said Kim Jong-un's remark stressing no change in the North's foreign policies conveys an important message. Lavrov said Russia linked the remark to a statement made by late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il during his visit to Russia last August. The late Kim remarked that Pyongyang was ready to resume the six-way talks with no preconditions.