The nation's top diplomat is downplaying the U-S threat to bring North Korea's nuclear issue to the U-N Security Council if it continues to snub the six-way talks.

Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday said the White House announcement is just to remind the North of the option.

Speaking before the National Assembly's Committee on Unification, Foreign Affairs and Trade, he denied any government-level consultations with Washington on a possible UNSC complaint.

On the North's demand to discuss arms buildup at the six-way talks, Ban said the government nor the other four parties will agree to change the meeting's framework.