Japan says North Korea's remark that it will accept inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) merely implies a willingness to allow a perfunctory visit.

The North announced its willingness to accept IAEA inspections to New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson during his recent visit to the communist state.

According to NHK, Japan has confirmed through diplomatic channels that the North told Richardson that it can review a decision to "invite" IAEA inspectors to the uranium enrichment site in Yongbyon.

The Tokyo government reportedly says that the invitation was for a one-time visit that is merely a formality and that Pyongyang is therefore not expected to respond for the time being to China's proposal to hold a meeting of the six-party talks' chief delegates.

On North Korea's declared willingness to sell spent nuclear rods, Japan says the North does not seem to be serious about this as it is asking for 70 million dollars per rod, which is five times the trading price.