US envoy says, despite releasing American captives, no indication North Korea wants new talks

The chief U.S. envoy for North Korea says that, despite Pyongyang's freeing three American captives, the hardline communist state's leadership appears no closer to reopening a dialogue with the outside.

Ambassador Sung Kim said Friday that the U.S. and others still believe that six-nation talks on ending North Korea's nuclear programs are the best way to proceed. Kim said the U.S. would also welcome talking directly with North Korea if there was a possibility of substantive discussions.

However, he told reporters in Beijing at the end of a regional visit that North Korea had ignored the opportunity for discussions offered by the release in October and November of the three Americans.

The six-party talks, also including Japan, Russia, China and South Korea, stalled six years ago after North Korea withdrew.