The South Korean President, Kim Dae-jung, has urged the United States and other western countries to ease economic sanctions against North Korea.

In an interview with the New York Times, he said this would be the best way to persuade North Korea to open up and liberalise, and that he would raise the issue with President Clinton when he visits Washington this week.

Correspondents say this is the strongest call yet by the South Korean president for a change in relations with North Korea.