Kim Jong-il convalescing

According to US and South Korean intelligence reports, North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-il, has been living at a coastal villa since mid-May and is probably convalescing after reportedly suffering a stroke last year.

The US informed Seoul that Mr Kim had been staying at the villa in Wonsan since mid-May, the South Korean Joong Ang Ilbo Sunday newspaper said.

The report said US military satellites, which closely monitor Mr Kim's personal vehicles, had detected his moves.

A South Korean official said it was "certain" Mr Kim was not in Pyongyang. Wonsan is close to a launch facility where South Korea said the North test-fired seven ballistic missiles on Saturday, defying UN resolutions.