Seoul (AsiaNews / Agencies) - North Korea is still ready for dialogue to reduce tension on its nuclear program, but prefers direct dialogue with the United States. The foreign ministry in Pyongyang released a declaration today stating that they do not want to be engaged in 6 party talks (with South Korea, Japan, China, Russia, United States), but added "there is a specific form of confidential dialogue that responds to this situation. "

The claim is not new. On 24 July, Sin Son-ho, North Korean Ambassador to the United Nations said that his country is interested in bilateral negotiations with Washington and that it would no longer return to 6 party talks, an experience he described as "now closed ".

The 6 party talks began in 2003 as an attempt to stop the development of Pyongyang's nuclear program. The last session took place last December with the resistance of the North to accept checks on progress in dismantling its nuclear program. Last April, after the launch of several missiles, the UN increased sanctions against North Korea.

Pyongyang says that the launches serve to send a satellite into orbit, the international community and especially the U.S. and Japan think that they are testing missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

The United States, through Clinton, has reaffirmed their willingness to dialogue with North Korea, but within the framework of the 6 party talks.  Seoul has also pointed out that the 5are the only 6 party talks are the only chance for the North, now isolated from everyone.

According to analysts, Pyongyang believes face to face dialogue with the Washington would promise a more important international status, as well as security and continuity for the regime.