The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says agency inspectors are ready to return to North Korea's major nuclear facilities in Yongbyon within weeks if they're invited.

IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano made the statement during a news conference on Monday, noting the agency has yet to receive a request from the communist state regarding the return of inspectors. He added that the IAEA's inspectors have remained in a state of preparedness since being asked to leave North Korea in 2009.

During the third round of high-level talks between the U.S. and the North, the communist state agreed to suspend its uranium enrichment program and allow the return of IAEA inspectors. The U.S., on its part, agreed to provide 240-thousand tons of food aid.