Korean activists protest against Bush

More protests are planned for Mr Bush's visit to Seoul

South Korean MPs have made a rare formal complaint about US President George Bush's comments in which he described North Korea as part of an "axis of evil".

The six ruling and opposition politicians delivered a letter to the US embassy in Seoul on Wednesday, as dozens of protesters rallied outside.

North Korea says the US is plotting war against it

It came as US Secretary of State Colin Powell appeared to soften Mr Bush's comments, saying America was willing to talk North Korea.

Mr Bush's words have caused a great deal of anger in both North and South Korea ahead of a visit to the region.

Activists have threatened to disrupt Mr Bush's visit to Seoul - scheduled for 19-21 February as part of an Asian tour that will also include Japan and China.

Banners on Wednesday read: "We oppose Bush's visit" and "No expansion of war."

The leader of the protesting MPs, Kim Seong-Ho of the ruling Millennium Democratic Party, told reporters: "Bush's remarks could seriously harm the peace and stability on the Korean peninsula."

US talks offer

Also on Wednesday, North Korea accused the US of plotting a war against it.

	1. Iraq: Suspected of wanting to pursue programmes to develop nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and missile developments 2. Iran: Listed by US as state sponsor of terrorism. Washington says Tehran plans to develop weapons of mass destruction 3. North Korea: Main US concern has been missiles, weapons programmes and willingness to export sensitive technology See also: Detailed clickable map

"The danger of war on the Korean peninsula comes from the United States, not from North Korea and any other country," Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper for the ruling Communist party said.

The US has also faced criticism from Iraq and Iran - also named as part of an "axis of evil" in Mr Bush's State of the Union address last week.

But Mr Powell has said the US is standing by its line that it is ready to talk to North Korea.

"The ball is in their court," he said.

North Korea and the US had entered into dialogue during the previous US administration under Bill Clinton. But Mr Bush has taken a tougher approach since taking office last January.

However, South Korea's new Foreign Minister, Choi Sung-hong, said he hopes Mr Bush's visit to Seoul will improve the atmosphere.

"There are some concerns about South Korea-US policies towards North Korea after Bush's remarks.

"But there is no question dialogue is the best way for ensuring peace and stability in the Korean peninsula," he said.

North and South Korea are still technically at war as the 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty.