DHAKA: Washington’s point man on North Korea on Monday hinted at more sanctions against Pyongyang over its atomic weapons programme in the wake of Iran`s nuclear deal with world powers.

Glyn Davies, the US special representative for North Korea policy, said he hoped quickening diplomacy examining when to resume stalled six-party talks would bear fruit.

The talks are designed to push the reclusive state to abandon its nuclear ambitions, but have been in limbo since December 2008.

‘Pyongyang’s attempts to engage in dialogue while keeping its programme running are completely unacceptable,’ Davies told reporters after a meeting with his counterparts in Tokyo, reports The Straits Times.

‘If we do not see signs of the North Koreans’ sincerity, if they do not act to demonstrate that they understand they must fulfil their obligations and give up their nuclear weapons, then there is more pressure that will be brought to bear on them.’

North Korea is currently pushing for a resumption of the six-party talks, but the United States says it must first demonstrate a commitment to denuclearisation.

BDST: 1527 HRS, NOV 25, 2013