WASHINGTON — The State Department says it sees nothing new in North Korea's offer of high-level talks with the U.S.
Spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Monday that Pyongyang has made similar offers numerous times over the years. She said Washington would be open to dialogue but it wants North Korea first to take credible steps toward giving up its nuclear weapons.
After months of threatening to wage war, North Korea did an about-face Sunday, offering unconditional talks. The invitation to Washington came from North Korea's National Defense Commission, the powerful governing body led by leader Kim Jong Un.
Psaki said the international community has been very consistent and clear that North Korea must verifiably end its nuclear program.
North Korea conducted a nuclear test in February, drawing tough U.N. sanctions.
