WASHINGTON (AP) -- The White House says it wants ``credible negotiations'' with North Korea that will lead to a nuclear-free North.

The Obama administration is responding to a proposal by North Korea's top governing body for high-level nuclear and security talks with the United States.

The U.S. says it always has favored dialogue, but that Washington will judge the North by ``its actions and not its words.''

National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden says North Korea must live up to ``its obligations to the world,'' including complying with U.N. resolutions.

Tensions have risen as a result of North Korea's launch of a long-range rocket in December and a nuclear test in February.

North Korea's offer is expected to be discussed in meetings this week in Washington involving U.S., Japanese and South Korean officials.