North Korea says it will allow international nuclear inspectors to visit the nation once it has access to its funds frozen at the Macao-based Banco Delta Asia bank.

A U.S. official who requested anonymity told The Associated Press that the North conveyed its position to a U.S. delegation led by New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson.

The official said North Korea also expressed its willingness to return to the six-party talks aimed at the North's denuclearization.