N Korea's parliament to meet amid reform talk

SEOUL (AFP) - North Korea's rubber-stamp parliament was due to meet on Tuesday amid speculation its new leadership wants to push through economic reforms that likely carry risks as well as potential rewards.

The country has one of the world's most rigidly controlled economies and is desperately poor following decades of mismanagement and isolationism, as well as recent international sanctions over its nuclear programme.

North Korea watchers and media reports in South Korea have suggested the parliament may approve limited reforms pushed by new leader Kim Jong Un, including incentives for workers and farmers to boost productivity.

Since taking power after the death of his father Kim Jong Il last December, Kim Jong Un has made several public statements on the need to improve living standards.