South Korea doubts reports of announcement due in North

South Korea's government and private analysts questioned media reports that North Korea was poised to make an important announcement possibly concerning the health of its leader, Kim Jong Il, or a power shift in the communist nation.

Mr Kim has been the focus of intense speculation since he disappeared from public view in mid August. US and South Korean officials suspect he suffered a stroke and had brain surgery.

North Korea has flatly denied there is anything wrong with its 66-year-old leader.

Yesterday, Japan's Sankei newspaper reported that the Japanese government had information North Korea would issue an "important announcement" today and that it could be about Mr Kim's death or a government change induced by a coup.

North Korea will also ban foreigners from entering the country starting today, the Sankei said.

The report, which cited unidentified Japanese defence ministry sources, came a day after Japan's largest newspaper, the Yomiuri, said North Korea had ordered its diplomats abroad to be on standby for an important announcement.