A Japanese newspaper is reporting that North Korea will not return to nuclear disarmament talks until it meets with U.S. officials on resolving economic sanctions against Pyongyang.
The Sankei newspaper said Sunday the North wants a meeting between the U.S. nuclear negotiator, Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill, and North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Gye Gwan on the issue. The North's U.N. delegation is reported to have informed U.S. officials of the demand.
Washington has imposed sanctions on some of the North's state-owned companies. Pyongyang wants the sanctions lifted before six-nation disarmament talks continue.
North Korea agreed during a round of talks in September to dismantle its nuclear program in exchange for aid. However, the next day, Pyongyang demanded light water reactors for its energy needs before it disarms.
Some information for this report created by Reuters and AP.