North Korea says it will slow down disablement of its nuclear facilities citing perceived delays in the provision of economic aid.

A deputy director at the North’s Foreign Ministry, Hyon Hak-pong, said Wednesday that his country has no choice but to adjust the disablement process due to a delay in the provision of compensation from the participants of the six-way nuclear talks.

Hyon made the statement to reporters after a meeting with South Korean and Chinese officials in Pyongyang on offering energy-related equipment to the North under a six-way deal.

Hyon, however, did not elaborate on whether Pyongyang has already begun adjusting the disablement speed or plans to do so.

In Washington, a U.S. State Department spokesman said he was not aware of any slowdown in aid. He said he expects fuel oil shipments and other energy assistance to continue.

North Korea agreed to disable its key nuclear facilities and declare all of its nuclear programs by the end of this year under the October third six-way nuclear accord.