The United States says there are conditions North Korea must meet before the stalled six-way nuclear talks can be resumed.

During a news briefing Thursday, State Department spokesman Philip Crowley was asked if the U.S., South Korea, and Japan have agreed on a list of conditions North Korea must meet for the six-party talks to be resumed.

Crowley said the North knows what it needs to do including: ceasing provocations, reducing tensions in the region, improving its relationship with South Korea, taking affirmative steps to denuclearize in line with the 2005 joint statement and abiding by its international obligations under U.N. Security Council resolutions.

Crowley added that if Pyongyang takes such steps, it would demonstrate to the U.S. a seriousness of purpose that might open the door to renewed dialogue.