DPRK says it will not attend working-level meetings ahead of the six-party talks aimed at ending the nuclear standoff on the Korean peninsula.

In a statement Monday, a Foreign Ministry spokesman blasted the United States for demanding that North Korea fully disclose its nuclear activities.

The spokesman again urges the United States to give up its hostile policy and provide compensation to North Korea.

He adds it is clear that, under the present situation, there would be nothing to expect even if North Korea did sit at the negotiating table with the United States.

The same day, US State Department spokesman Tom Casey said they have not heard anything from the North Korea about their changes and they are working with the Chinese and the other parties on the upcoming working-level meeting.

(CRI August 17, 2004)