North Korea has said it will attend the next round of talks about dismantling its nuclear program, but accused the United States of using words and deeds contrary to the joint statement issued in September.

North Korea's foreign ministry on Monday said its intention to attend next month's talks reflects a desire to abide by the principles of the Beijing joint statement.  The statement called for North Korea to abandon its nuclear program in exchange for economic aid and security assurances.

The United States and North Korea have since disagreed over when to discuss giving the North a (light-water) civilian nuclear reactor. Washington says discussions about a reactor deal should come after inspectors verify Pyongyang has dismantled its nuclear weapons program. The North has said it should be before disarmament.