The United States says North Korean leader Kim Jong-il’s recent remarks relating to a possible return to multilateral denuclearization talks differ from statements Pyongyang has issued in the past.

The reclusive leader recently suggested that his nation would return to the six-way nuclear talks if it sees progress in bilateral talks with the United States.

Philip Crowley, the assistant secretary of state for public affairs, told reporters at Washington’s Foreign Press Center on Thursday that Kim’s recent comment differs from statements the North has issued in the past weeks and months.

Crowley said that if U.S.-North Korea bilateral talks are held within the next few weeks, the talks could provide an opportunity to determine whether Pyongyang would be open to returning to the six-way nuclear talks and abiding by obligations agreed to under the six-nation dialogue framework.