Nuclear security

US ties any North Korea talks to nuclear arms

The United States says any dialogue with North Korea must have nuclear disarmament as the end goal.

The North indicated on the last day of the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang it was ready for talks, according to South Korea.

North Korea has previously said it will not accept any preconditions.

"We will see if Pyongyang's message... that it is willing to hold talks, represents the first steps along the path to denuclearization," the US said.

Reports about the North's willingness to speak to the US emerged after a meeting of its officials with the South Korean president before the Games' closing ceremony on Sunday.