BEIJING, July 12 -- In light of North Korea's intentions to return to the six-party talks, Washington says it will offer no new incentives to disarm Pyongyang nuclear program.

    When asked if the US is willing to negotiate the terms of a proposal made last year, State Department spokesman Tom Casey said the U.S. is waiting for North Korea to respond to the proposal before deciding its next step.

    "We're looking for them to respond. We're looking for them to say what they think about the proposal. How we'll react to their response, we'll just have to see what their response is."  Casey said.

    After refusing to attend the talks for more than a year, North Korea agreed on Saturday to return to the negotiations. The talks also include China, South Korea, Russia and Japan.

    At the last round of talks in June 2004, the United States proposed that North Korea disclose all its nuclear activities, dismantle facilities and allow outside monitoring.

    It also offered the prospect of a pledge not to attack North Korea, along with economic incentives.

    North Korea had boycotted the talks, citing what it described as hostile U.S. policies.

    In Tokyo, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki Hosoda expressed hope that progress would be made on the Korean nuclear issue once the talks resumed.

    He also praised China's role in the talks.

    "China, as a host country has made considerable efforts and because of that North Korea has agreed to take part in the six-party talks. We think that's major advancement." Hosoda said.

    The new round of talks is likely to reopen the last week of July.

    (Source: CRIENGLISH.com)