Seoul: US President Barack Obama told his Chinese counterpart, Hu Jintao, the United States was open to starting dialogue with North Korea, but only if it meets international commitments, a senior White House aide said.
Obama has called on North Korea, which plans a long-range rocket launch next month, to curb its nuclear ambitions or face further international isolation.
"We said we were willing to pursue dialogue with North Korea... but we made clear that we could not go forward if North Korea goes ahead with this rocket launch," the aide said.
"We're open to dialogue if the North Koreans are going to keep their commitments."
Bureau Report
First Published: Monday, March 26, 2012, 18:13