North Korean meeting delay a mystery

North Korea's move to delay its biggest political gathering in 30 years has fueled speculation of a possible power struggle or the health deterioration of leader Kim Jong-il.

Senior officials have reportedly said that the conference has been delayed because of storm damage.

Analysts say such an explanation is feasible. But in the absence of any word from one of the world's most secretive nations, other possibilities are being explored.

The meeting had been scheduled for the first half of September to elect the "highest leading body" of the Workers' Party of Korea.

South Korean Unification Minister Hyun In-taek said Wednesday that the delay may be due to floods or various other reasons. "There might be some internal reasons, but our government needs accurate in-formation to confirm," he said.

Andrei Lankov of Seoul's Kookmin University told reporters in written comments this week that the ruling elite might be far less united than usually assumed, with some factions seriously unhappy about the likely choice of successor.

Separately, US envoy Stephen Bosworth said Thursday that North Korea must do more if stalled Six-Party Talks on ending its nuclear drive are to resume, as he wrapped up an Asia tour.

China, which hosts the talks, called Thursday for more contact between the countries involved.

"The two sides (China and the US) believe that relevant parties should increase dialogue and contact, as well as create conditions for the early resumption of the Six-Party Talks," foreign ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told reporters.

Agencies