Japanese broadcaster NHK reports that North Korea asked for the provision of a nuclear power plant in return for suspending its uranium enrichment program (UEP) during recent talks held with the United States in Geneva.

NHK cited an unnamed six-party talks' official as saying that during the Geneva talks held October 24th and the 25th, a nuclear plant consisting of light water reactors was the first thing North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye-gwan asked for in return for halting the North's uranium enrichment.

The Japanese broadcaster also reported that Kim told a U.S. official that uranium enrichment is a peaceful activity to generate electricity. It added that he made the request for the power plant citing the action-to-action principle.

NHK said U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy Stephen Bosworth is believed to have said the proposal was unacceptable.