North Korea says it will return to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and comply with international nuclear safeguards once it is provided with a light water reactor.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the North's Foreign Ministry spokesman urged Washington to promptly provide the North with a light water reactor as proof that the U.S. recognizes the North’s right to use nuclear power for civilian purposes.

The statement came less than a day after the North agreed to abandon its nuclear weapons and programs in a joint statement following the fourth round of six-way nuclear talks in Beijing.

The spokesman said that by providing the reactor, a base of trust would be created between Pyongyang and Washington, adding that once such trust is built and the North feels no nuclear threat from the U.S., Pyongyang would no longer feel the need to possess any nuclear weapons.

The spokesman stressed that the North would never give up its nuclear deterrence ability unless the reactor is provided, adding that if the U.S. insists on delivering the reactor after the North’s nuclear dismantlement, the U.S. could face "serious and complicated consequences."

The North’s statement is expected to trigger fresh tensions as Washington earlier proposed that the light water reactor issue be discussed with the North after the communist state rejoins the NPT and complies with International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards.