PYONGYANG: Pyongyang says it is open to new dialogue to defuse tensions over its nuclear weapons program.

According to AP, the statement Monday from the DPRK's Foreign Ministry appeared to refer to direct talks with the United States, though it was not specific.

On Friday, the DPRK's ambassador to the United Nations also indicated its interest in bilateral negotiations with Washington, saying the country is "not against a dialogue," according to Japan's Kyodo News agency.

The US has repeatedly refused direct talks with the DPRK.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Sunday that major powers wanted the DPRK to return to negotiations over its nuclear program but would not reward any provocative actions.

"We are not going to reward them for half-measures. They now know what we in the world community expect," said Clinton in an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" program.

"We still want the DPRK to come back to the negotiating table, to be part of an international effort that will lead to denuclearization" she added.