Georgetown University Professor Victor Cha says U.S. policy on North Korea will remain unchanged even if a new government comes to power in the communist state.

Cha, who has served as the National Security Council's Director for Asian Affairs, made the remark on the Web site of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, where he currently serves as Korea chair.

He said it is safe to say that U.S. policy toward North Korea will remain steadfast with the new regime, barring any catastrophic events or miracles.

Cha added that U.S. sanctions on North Korea will not be eased until the regime takes significant steps toward denuclearization.

He also said that the United States and South Korea will most likely not return to the six-way nuclear talks without some resolution of the attack on the “Cheonan” naval ship.

He said that only when the new regime shows its willingness to cooperate with the international community and denuclearize will U.S. policy toward North Korea change in any significant way.