North Korea has reportedly accepted a U.S. offer of medical assistance to help the communist state cope with a disastrous train explosion.

Fukushiro Nukaga, chief policy-maker of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made the comments in Washington Monday after talks with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage.

Armitage was quoted as saying that signs of change are emerging in North Korea as Pyongyang has accepted the medical and other aid offered by the United States.

Last Monday, Washington announced its plan to deliver 100,000 dollars in relief supplies for victims of the Ryongchon train blast through the U.S. Red Cross and that it was willing to provide medical aid if the North so desired.