Alert stokes Kim Jong-il rumours

Reports that North Korea has ordered its diplomats to remain on standby for "an important message" has renewed speculation over the health of the nation's leader Kim Jong-il.

Yesterday the highly respected Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper in Toyko reported that North Korea had issued an order that embassy staff "must refrain from making business trips so that they can be ready for an important announcement from the homeland".

There have been doubts over the 66-year-old 'Dear Leader' after he disappeared from public view in August, even failing to attend a parade to mark the country's 60th anniversary on September 9.

Other sources have suggested that the message could be less dramatic, such as a launch of a new economic policy or a reshuffle in the Korean Workers' party.