North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho says Pyongyang will soon reopen its nuclear facilities to inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency. Wrapping up a visit to New York, Ri told reporters Monday that Pyongyang is taking concrete measures to fulfill its part of last month's agreement with the U.S. on food aid.

Asked about the inter-Korean dialogue, Ri said Pyongyang is ready to talk with South Korea if Seoul shows respect for and follows through on joint declarations made in 2000 and 2007 under the Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun administrations.

Questioned about a report in Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun that North Korea has suggested opening liaison offices in both Washington and Pyongyang, Ri said no specific proposal has been made.