South Korea and North Korea resumed bilateral negotiations on Monday for the first time in 10 months with the south offering the north a 'substantial proposal' if it returns to the six nation talks. Neither side would elaborate the details of the proposal.

Meanwhile, the United States issued a stern warning to North Korea that there would be some kind of response if the North went ahead with testing a nuclear bomb.

U.S. National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley warned North Korea, indicating 'We've seen some evidence that says that they may be preparing for a nuclear test,' Hadley said in an interview with CNN. 'Obviously, that would be a serious step, and it would require us to consult very closely with our colleagues on the six-party talks for what kind of response we should make.'

Japan concurred with America's concerns. Shinzo Abe, secretary-general of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party indicated that nuclear testing would cause Japan to bring the issue directly to the United Nations. 'It is unthinkable not to impose any sanctions in case of a nuclear testing,' Abe said.

The negotiations between North and South Korea took place Monday in Kaesong just over the North Korean border and lasted for approximately six hours.

Whether or not these negotiations and the enticements offered by South Korea will get Pyongyang to return to the six-party talks remains to be seen. Right now, the fact that North Korea and South Korea agreed to meet at all has to be considered some small bit of progress.