"In terms of statements coming out of North Korea, or actions by North Korea, I mean, such steps and comments only further isolate North Korea from the rest of the international community," spokesman Scott McClellan told reporters during a visit here by President George W. Bush.

North Korean vice foreign minister Kim Gye Gwan told US television Wednesday that Pyongyang has a stockpile of nuclear bombs and is building more weapons.

Kim made the comments on ABC television ahead of key talks Friday between Bush and South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun.

"All parties in the region are saying to North Korea that we want a nuclear-free (Korean) peninsula, a de-nuclearized peninsula," said McClellan.

According to the United States, North Korea has agreed to return to six-nation talks on its nuclear arms but has not set a date.