North Korea's top nuclear negotiator Kim Kye-kwan has hinted that his government would allow the return of U.N. nuclear inspectors as soon as it receives assets recently unfrozen at a Macao bank.

Former U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Principi, who is visiting Pyongyang with New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, told reporters of the North's stance after talks with Kim.

Principi quoted Kim as saying also that North Korea could begin shutting down its main nuclear reactor in Yongbyon before the Saturday deadline agreed at the six-party talks in February. But the North Korean official noted that it would be difficult to complete the process in such a short period of time.

Governor Richardson said that his delegation told Kim that the North must show commitment to implementing the nuclear dismantlement steps.

The U.S. official also conveyed Washington's call to resume the six-party talks before Saturday.