The statement by the North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman was carried by the North's official Korean Central News Agency.

NPR: Furious Over Sanctions, NKorea Vows To Nuke US

According to the North's official Korean Central News Agency, a delegation from the Laotian capital of Vientiane visited North Korea on May 20.

NPR: Activists Criticize Reported NKorean Repatriation

"If the U.S. ... delays the settlement of the nuclear issue, it would have a serious impact on the disablement of nuclear facilities, " an unidentified spokesman for North Korea's Foreign Ministry said in a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency, the North Korean news agency.

CNN: North Korea: U.S. to blame in nuclear talks deadlock