Russia's foreign minister today urged the United States to negotiate a deal with North Korea to avert war, voicing concern that tensions might spiral out of control.<br/>'<br/>Referring to the US, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said today that the one who is smarter and stronger must take the first step in diplomatic efforts.'<br/><br/>Lavrov says Moscow has asked Washington that US allies South Korea and Japan would suffer the most if the North's nuclear missile tests provoke a military conflict.<br/><br/>Lavrov was speaking with students at Russia's top diplomacy school in Moscow.