The U.S. State Department says it remains ready for talks with North Korea.
The comment was made in response to the North Korean foreign ministry's recent statement demanding Washington come up with a proper counterproposal by the end of the year for negotiations on dismantling the North's nuclear weapons.
The State Department Spokesperson said the U.S. is ready to engage in constructive discussions with North Korea for complete denuclearization and lasting peace.
The spokesperson added the U.S. will continue to invite its counterpart for talks.