North Korea has indicated its willingness to return to the International Atomic Energy Agency and is 'fully committed' to implement an agreement, including shutting down the Yongbyon reactor, provided the United States lifted sanctions on the country, the United Nations top nuclear inspector said in Beijing on Wednesday.
Describing his one-day visit to Pyongyang and talks with North Korean officials, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohamed ElBaradei said the visit had been 'quite useful' and had opened the way to a normal relationship between the IAEA and North Korea.
"My visit has cleared the air and created a positive atmosphere for future relationship with the IAEA," he told a crowded press conference.
"I think they were very clear that they are willing to implement the February 13 agreement once the other parties implement their part," he said, referring to an agreement reached at six-party talks held here involving North Korea, South Korea, the United States, China, Japan and Russia.
"The DPRK mentioned that they are waiting for the lifting of sanctions with regard to the Macao bank," he said, using the official name, Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
"They said they are ready, willing and capable of doing that as soon as the financial sanctions are lifted," he said, referring to the closure of the Yongbyon nuclear plant.