The United States says that actions on behalf of North Korea must come first in order for the Korean Peninsula to become denuclearized.

State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters that to the extent that North Korea has indicated publicly that it remains committed to denuclearization, it is up to Pyongyang to take specific actions that demonstrate that commitment.

His statement follows reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong-il expressed hope for the swift resumption of the six-way nuclear talks during a meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao last week.

Crowley said Washington has been prepared to meet with North Korean officials this year, but whatever might have been considered obviously was impacted by North Korea's sinking of the “Cheonan” naval ship.