The U.S. State Department says it has yet to see signs that North Korea might return to the six-party nuclear talks anytime soon.

Assistant Secretary of State Philip Crowley made the remark Friday following reports that North Korean nuclear envoy Kim Kye-kwan is scheduled to visit Washington next month.

When asked if the U.S. plans to hold more negotiations with Pyongyang to spur its return to talks, he said Washington believes firmly that the next meeting that U.S. representatives and others should have with North Korea should be through a formal six-party meeting.

Crowley also commented on Thailand's decision not to prosecute five crew members of a cargo ship owned by Georgia that was detained in December for carrying North Korean weapons. He said he doubted the legal process in regards to the matter has come to an end.