A U.S. envoy has refused to issue a formal apology to the North Korean government over recent remarks by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice which called North Korea one of the world's 'outposts of tyranny.' As a result, Pyongyang has indicated it would boycott all future talks with the United States on nuclear disarmament.

North Korea's parliament, the Supreme People's Assembly, is expected to ratify the decision when it meets again on April 11.

Christopher Hill, the American ambassador to South Korea said the North's latest statement 'was not helpful. 'Serious problems should not be dealt with...sarcastic statements,' Hill told the Associated Press. He urged North Korea to 'stop with these silly press announcements,' and to return to the bargaining table where issues can be worked out.

The United States wants to reconvene six party talks on the issue of North Korea's self proclaimed acquisition of nuclear weapons. The talks included the United States, China, Russia, Japan, North Korea and South Korea. North Korea has sought one-on-one talks with the United States.

The U.S. is reportedly trying to persuade China to influence its North Korean ally to return to the bargaining table. For now, however, North Korea claims to be waiting for an official apology and they continue to possess nuclear weapons capable of producing of mass destruction.