US encouraged with N Korean readiness to resume talks

WASHINGTON: The US said on Wednesday it was encouraged by North Korea’s stated willingness to resume negotiations but criticized its latest firing of projectiles as counterproductive.“It was an encouraging sign that they would like to return to negotiations and that’s something we welcome,” the State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus told reporters. “We’re committed to talking and negotiating with the North Koreans,” the spokeswoman said.North Korea earlier this week said that it was willing to sit down with the US side for “comprehensive discussions” by the end of the month.