It will be premature to initiate the discussion in the United Nations Security Council on the nuclear issue of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK),Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov said on Sunday upon returning from Beijing.

Losyukov,who attended the six-nation talks in Beijing as Russia's top delegate,expressed his belief that the UN Security Council will discuss the issue if the multilateral talks halt,Itar-Tass news agency reported.

However,it is premature to transfer the discussions now to theUN Security Council since it is still possible to settle the issuebetween the six nations,said Losyukov.

Losyukov admitted that the multilateral negotiations "are proceeding with difficulties,"Interfax reported.

Russia hopes the talks will continue so as to avoid a military solution,and before starting a UN discussion,negotiations shouldbe fully explored,Losyukov said.

Losyukov ruled out the need for negotiations of the issue between the heads of state at present,saying it is possible that the six-party talks will continue.

The next round of multilateral meeting on the DPRK nuclear issue is scheduled between October and November in Beijing,Losyukov said.

The deputy foreign minister described the just-concluded six-nation talks as "very useful,"saying the talks "opened prospects for further settlement of the DPRK problem."