France's parliament has invited a North Korean diplomat for a hearing on issues including the timetable of the North's denuclearization and human rights. 

During the hearing convened by a study group of the French Senate in Paris on Monday, North Korean Ambassador Kim Yong-il refused to give specific answers on a possible timetable but said that the leaders of North Korea and the U.S. have held talks and follow-up measures will be discussed. 

Kim, who is the North's permanent delegate to UNESCO, said North Korea is witnessing a steady improvement in its human rights conditions, and the economy is posting a steady growth of three to five percent a year. 

The ambassador said that regular and continued talks are needed to improve understanding of North Korea, adding he'd like to invite members of the French Senate group to the North. 

Kim is also the chief of the North Korean mission in Paris. North Korea and France don't have diplomatic relations. 

[Photo : KBS News]