WASHINGTON, Dec 21 (Saba) -- The White House on Tuesday expressed little confidence in resuming six-party talks with North Korea, despite reports that Pyongyang will allow UN inspectors into its main nuclear complex, according to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

"The belligerent actions that the North Koreans have demonstrated over the past many weeks I dont think provide anybody the confidence that theyre even remotely ready to resume in a responsible way those talks," spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters at a briefing.

Gibbs remarks follow a private trip by New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, who said North Korea had promised to allow in inspectors to make sure it is not processing highly enriched uranium. He said that gesture and the North's restraint in not retaliating for South Korean artillery drills could provide a basis for new six-party talks.

However, the White House remains pessimistic.
"When and if the North Koreans are ever serious about living up to their obligations, then we can think about restarting six-party talks," he added.
Gibbs also told reporters there are no plans to debrief Richardson after his trip this week.

China has urged South Korea, the US, Russia and Japan to restart six-party talks with North Korea, but South Korea's allies have refused until Pyongyang gives a firm commitment on nuclear disarmament. North Korea walked out of the six-party talks in April 2009.

Last month, North Korea shelled an island close to a disputed maritime boundary with the South, killing four people. In response the United States sent an aircraft carrier to join military drills with South Korea in a show of strength.

Saba