North Korea is demanding compensation from the United States for losses caused by ending a project to build two light-water reactors.

Last week, the United States, South Korea, the European Union and Japan terminated the long-stalled reactor project promised under a 1994 agreement, which called for the North to stop research on nuclear weapons.

North Korea's Foreign Ministry now blames the United States for breaking the agreement and causing Pyongyang economic distress. A ministry statement, quoted on the North's official news agency, demands compensation for "political and economic losses."

The reactor project has been on hold for three years since Washington accused Pyongyang of violating the accord by running a secret nuclear program.

To resolve the standoff, the United States and other countries involved in six-nation talks have tried to convince the North to disarm.

In September, Pyongyang agreed to end its nuclear program, but said a day later it first wanted light-water reactors for electricity.