U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says North Korea's move to restart its nuclear reactor and expel nuclear inspectors is an "unnecessary response" to the U.N. Security Council statement condemning Pyongyang's rocket launch.

Clinton made the statement before reporters in Washington on Wednesday.

She added that the U.S. hopes there will be an opportunity to discuss the North's recent plans not only with U.S. partners and allies but also eventually with the North Koreans.

U.S. media said Clinton’s statement was rather toned down compared to the remarks issued by the White House which described the North’s recent announcement as “provocative.”