WASHINGTON?has removed North Korea from its list of countries supporting terrorism, officials have confirmed. The State Department reported the deal was reached after North Korea agreed to provide full access to its controversial nuclear programme.

The US blacklisting has been a major point leading to deadlock over North Korea's nuclear disarment. A State Department spokesman said North Korea, ruled by Kim Jong-il (right), would resume its disablement of nuclear facilities, an agreement made in 2007 which had been recently reversed by the country's threats to restart its Yongbyon reactor. The new accord will see North Korea allow nuclear experts to take samples and carry out tests at all declared nuclear facilities and undeclared sites, with mutual consent.

"This is the most secret and opaque regime in the entire world," said Patricia McNerney, assistant secretary for international security.

Analysts say it is not clear whether the latest accord, intended to make progress before President Bush leaves office, will succeed.