Moscow, Apr 30 (IANS); Russia and Japan Monday condemned North Korea for its refusal to give up its nuclear weapons programme.

In a joint statement, the two countries said North Korea has stubbornly refused to give up plans to create nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles "contrary to the international community's calls", Xinhua reported.

In a declaration, adopted following talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, both leaders called for Pyongyang's strict adherence to the UN Security Council Resolution 2094 and UNSC resolutions of the fourth round of the six-party talks of Sep 19, 2005.

Tensions have risen on the Korean Peninsula since December, when North Korea tested a long-range Taepodong 2 missile, and in February carried out its third nuclear test, following tests in 2006 and 2009.

The UN responded with sanctions. The start of joint military exercises between South Korea and the US last month further irritated the North, which threatened to carry out a nuclear attack on the US mainland, as well as on US forces in the region.