A former director for policy planning at the U.S. State Department says the incoming Obama administration is likely to resume efforts to engage in nuclear negotiations with North Korea.

Mitchell Reiss told Radio Free Asia Sunday that the administration will likely conclude reviewing its North Korea policy by the end of February. Reiss said U.S. policy to resolve the nuclear standoff through the six-way nuclear talks will remain unchanged in the next U.S. administration.

He said progress in ending the North’s nuclear program completely depends on Pyongyang’s attitude.

An expert on nuclear nonproliferation, Reiss was deeply involved in the launch of the Korea Peninsula Energy Development Organization. He is reportedly a candidate for the post of special envoy for nuclear talks with the North.