N Korea backtracks on 'sea of fire' threats

North Korea has denied the existence of a secret nuclear weapons programme or threatening to unleash a "sea of fire" on the US.

The denial comes as a top US envoy arrived in South Korea for talks on diffusing the crisis.

US Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly is to meet president-elect Roh Moo-hyun.

He also plans to meet foreign minister Choi Sung-hong and two presidential security advisers.

Washington and its allies are intensifying efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the escalating confrontation with North Korea.

Mr Kelly is to travel on Tuesday to China, before heading to Singapore, Indonesia and Japan.