The U.S. says that whether or not progress is made on the current situation on the Korean Peninsula is up to North Korea.

In a daily news briefing Wednesday, State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said that it will be up to North Korea to "demonstrate that it's prepared to cease its belligerent behavior, live up to its obligations and begin to take actions associated with the 2005 joint statement."

He said if the North is "prepared to demonstrate a willingness to act more constructively, then the U.S. will respond appropriately and be prepared for further engagement."

Crowley said the U.S. is prepared to sit down with North Korea, but not before Pyongyang shows its will to change its course and put an end to provocative actions, such as the sinking of South Korea’s “Cheonan” warship.