Russia urges focus on North Korea talks

By Louis Charbonneau and Jon Herskovitz

UNITED NATIONS/SEOUL (Reuters) - Russia called on other leading powers on Monday to stay focussed on nuclear talks with North Korea as Washington pushed for a strong response from a divided U.N. Security Council to Pyongyang's rocket launch.

Analysts said Sunday's launch of the rocket, which soared over Japan during its 2,000-mile (3,200 km) flight, effectively was a test of a ballistic missile designed to carry a warhead as far as the U.S. state of Alaska.

The U.S. military and South Korea said no part of the Taepodong-2 rocket entered orbit, despite Pyongyang's claim it carried a satellite now transmitting data and revolutionary music as it circled the Earth.

Analysts said an emboldened North Korea would use the first successful launch of the Taepodong-2 to extract concessions for showing up at future six-party talks on ending its nuclear program. It also could seek to water down obligations it signed onto under previous negotiations.

The five permanent members of the Security Council -- the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia -- plus Japan met at U.N. headquarters to explore a possible compromise on a response to the launch. They reached no agreement and scheduled another meeting for Tuesday, envoys said.

"We have no convergence of view at this stage," said Japanese Ambassador Yukio Takasu.

"It's a stalemate," said another diplomat close to the negotiations. "It's basically a fight over the form -- whether to warn or whether to punish."

The Security Council had held an emergency session on Sunday but the 15 members agreed only to further discussions.