The government has found no significant evidence nor received U-S intelligence over North Korea's rumored nuclear test.

Newspapers have reported signs of nuclear tests in Gilju of the North's North Pyungan Province.

A high-ranking official on Tuesday said closer monitoring of Gilju has discovered new apartment buildings and increased traffic there, but satellite photos show no evidence of nuclear test preparation.

Although the six-way talks remain suspended despite much effort, he said concerned parties agree that the nuclear issue must be peacefully resolved within the framework of the talks.

The official also said U-S Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's referral of the North as a sovereign state indicates Washington's intent to accept the regime and hold talks on an equal footing.