As US, Japanese and South Korean officials met at the State Department to hone tactics for the talks in Beijing later this month, Powell said that no such offer had been made to encourage Pyongyang's to end its nuclear drive.

"The president has said many times we are concerned about the welfare of the North Korean people," Powell said after an impromptu meeting with reporters in a State Department corridor.

"It concerns him that people are in need and starving and that something can be done about it. But we have put no economic proposals forward of the kind that were referenced in some newspapers this morning."

The New York Times cited unnamed administration officials on Wednesday as saying that possible concessions to North Korea could include "some steps that would help North Korea economically."

Powell also said the United States was not open to disguising aid to Pyongyang by channelling it through Seoul or Tokyo, or by encouraging its two allies provide aid.

"I don't do dodges," he said.

WAR.WIRE