US ready to talk but N Korea must be ready to change course: Tillerson

Washington, December 13: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said, Washington is prepared to begin talks on North Korea's nuclear disarmament without prior conditions whenever it is ready but Pyongyang must come to the negotiating table willing to make choices to change course on its nuclear and missile programs.

North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons technology has led to heavy US-led sanctions against the regime.

Meanwhile, in response to a specific query during a town hall with the State Department employees in Washington, Mr Tillerson said he does not enjoy dealing with Pakistan as America's relationship with the South Asian country has drifted over the years.

He noted that the two countries need to restore the ties to one of common interest. The top American diplomat asserted that the policy could be achieved by eliminating the safe havens, bringing on board the groups fighting with each other, to get them involved in dialogues and creating the conditions for a reconciliation process within Afghanistan for peace.