The United States says it is sees the potential for the six-way nuclear talks to begin in the coming weeks or months.

Assistant Secretary of State Philip Crowley told reporters Friday that the ball is in North Korea’s court, adding that Washington is waiting for Pyongyang to communicate that it’s ready to come back to the six-party process.

Crowley said the key is looking for a signal from the North that it is in fact prepared to make the commitment regarding its nuclear dismantlement.

Crowley said the U.S. is holding continuous consultations with South Korea, China, Russia and Japan to resume the six-nation talks.