U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has reiterated that although North Korea’s return to denuclearization talks would be welcomed, Pyongyang will not be rewarded merely for doing so.

Media reported Sunday that the North was interested in resuming direct talks with the U.S.

Appearing on NBC's "Meet the Press," Clinton said the U.S. believes the six-party framework with all parties included is the most appropriate way to engage North Korea.

But she also said the North is more isolated than ever before.

She added that Pyongyang will no longer be rewarded for half measures, saying that in the past, the North went against the norms of the international community and was rewarded for doing so. She said those days are over and that U.S. pressure will continue until the North changes its behavior.

The North's representative to the United Nations told foreign correspondents Friday that North Korea is open to discuss mutual concerns with the U.S. at any time but will never again join the six-way nuclear dialogue.