The U.S. says it is hoping to see North Korea take “small but fundamental” steps in regards to the nuclear issue while discussions of a comprehensive resumption of dialogue are played out.

Assistant State Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell said President Lee Myung-bak intends to underscore that the international community is prepared to aid the North if it makes a serious commitment to denuclearization.

He made the remarks after being asked about the South Korean president’s proposal of a “grand bargain” on North Korea.

Campbell said the problem is that countries concerned are at the very early stages of resuming denuclearization dialogue and that a more definitive outline of events is expected in the future.

He said it is essential the North understand that any bilateral interactions between Washington and Pyongyang will be part of the six-party nuclear talk framework.

Campbell said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is expected to pressure North Korea to return to the six-way talks when he visits the North in early October.