Seoul/Pyongyang - North Korea celebrated its 60th anniversary Tuesday, however, there were no reports of a military parade that was expected to be held, reported South Korean media.

While at a stalemate over its nuclear programmes, North Korea was expected to hold its largest ever military parade, in terms of number troops and military hardware, in its capital of Pyongyang, Yonhap news agency reported citing South Korean military officials.

There have been speculations as to whether or not North Korean leader Kim Jong Il will make a public appearance at the parade due to rumours of his ill health. He was last seen in public on August 14.

The 66-year-old reportedly collapsed in the last month, reported South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo Tuesday, citing a South Korean diplomat in Beijing. Kim has heart problems as well as diabetes.

The official North Korean newspaper Rodong Shinmun called for unity and a stronger military on the anniversary.

"There is no limit to the ideological and mental power of the military and the people united firmly under their leader," it said.

International negotiations for an end of the North Korean nuclear weapons programme are at a deadlock. Pyongyang is demanding that the US keep its promise and remove it from a list of terrorism-sponsoring countries.

As the US missed the August 11 deadline, North Korea is now reportedly taking initial steps towards restarting its nuclear activities. (dpa)