North Korea says it will not shut down its nuclear reactor in Yongbyon until the funds that it holds at a Macao bank are transferred.

Deputy chief of North Korea's mission to the U.N. Kim Myong-kil rejected Wednesday a call by top U.S. nuclear negotiator Christopher Hill who urged Pyongyang to get moving on shutting down the reactor while the 25 million dollar transfer from Banco Delta Asia is being worked out.

Kim stressed that Pyongyang's position has been consistent in that it will close the Yongbyon reactor only after receiving the funds.

He reiterated that once the money transfer issue is settled, Pyongyang will implement the six-way nuclear agreement from February under which the communist state promised to shut down its Yongbyon reactor and allow nuclear inspectors into the country.

Kim was quick to add though that his country is firmly committed to implementing the February nuclear accord.