Washington: Softening its stand on North Korea, US is now planning to open up communication channels with Pyangyong to thrash out crisis triggered by its activation of nuclear facilities even as Washington firmly ruled out military action against that country.

"We are looking for ways to communicate with North Korea," Secretary of State Colin Powell said, modifying significantly America's oft-repeated no-talks-with-Pyongyang stand unless the Communist state restored nuclear status quo.

Participating in Sunday talk shows across television networks, Powell also assured North Korea that no military action is contemplated against it by the US.

On the crucial issue of talks, he said, "There are ways for them to talk to us. We know how to get in touch with them."

White House sources said Powell who was "walking a tight rope" on the issue of talks as Bush was against negotiations with the North Koreans while its nuclear programme is active, was in favour of holding indirect talks using diplomatic options through South Korea and the UN.

Powell informed that Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly will visit South Korea next month to consult US allies and friends on the crisis with North Korea.

The problem is that North Korea is seeking concessions in exchange for ending its nuclear weapons programme "What they want is not a discussion," Powell said.

"They want us to give them something for them to stop the bad behaviour. What we can't do is enter into a negotiation right away and give an impression we are appeasing them", he added.

PTI