"It is deeply regrettable that the DPRK continues to show no sign that it is willing to comply with relevant UN Security Council resolutions," he said.

Amano called on Pyongyang to comply fully with its obligations under those resolutions, to cooperate promptly with the Agency, and to resolve all outstanding issues, including those that have arisen during the absence of Agency inspectors from the country, the UN said.

He also expressed his intention to enhance the agency's readiness to play an essential role in verifying the North's nuclear program.

"The nature of the threat has (reached) a different stage," Amano said. "Therefore we need to intensify our analytical work in order to maintain and strengthen our knowledge." (Yonhap)