SEOUL, Nov 2 (Reuters) - North Korea called on Monday for direct talks with its long-time foe, the United States, and gave the clearest signal so far it was ready to return to nuclear disarmament talks it has boycotted for almost a year.

The comments follow last week’s rare visit by a North Korean official to the United States and what has been a ”charm” offensive by the ostracised state which some analysts say is looking increasingly desperate for finance and aid.