The U.S. State Department says the extent of Washington’s concern over North Korea’s human rights situation was reflected by the recent appointment of a special envoy for North Korean human rights.

Department spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters Thursday that the U.S. is deeply concerned about the rights situation in North Korea, particularly the plight of North Korean refugees. He made the remark after being asked to comment on President Barack Obama’s appointment of Robert King earlier in the day for the post that had been left vacant since the launch of his administration.

On the possibility of holding bilateral talks with the North, Kelly said that Washington is looking at a number of ways to get North Korea back to the six-way nuclear talks, including bilateral interactions with the communist state. However, he was quick to add that no decision has been made on the issue.

Kelly said the U.S. has made it clear that if Pyongyang takes irreversible and verifiable steps toward complete denuclearization, Washington would be willing to reciprocate in a positive manner.