PYONGYANG, North Korea, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- North Korean leaders hinted Pyongyang may resume talks about its nuclear program if it sees progress in bilateral negotiations with the United States.
Pyongyang said last spring the so-called six-party talks -- which include China, Russia, South Korea and Japan in addition to North Korea and the United States -- were permanently off. Negotiators from the six countries last gathered last December.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, while meeting with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, said those talks could resume if talks with the United States have the right "outcome." That desired result wasn't detailed.
The U.S. State Department said Tuesday it would meet North Korea one-on-one "within the framework of the six-party process."
There are fears North Korea is attempting to restart aspects of its nuclear program previous talks had shut down. Negotiating countries have offered Pyongyang food and fuel aid if the North Koreans would back from a nuclear program.
That Kim made the announcement with Wen by his side is seen as significant. North Korea's series of nuclear and missiles tests last spring reportedly angered China, which has been Pyongyang's strongest supporter.
