North Korea will convene a previously postponed parliamentary session later this month.

The North's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Friday the third session of the 11th Supreme People's Assembly will be convened on April 11, in line with the Assembly Presidium's decision the previous day.

In February, North Korea announced it would hold the parliamentary session on March 9, then abruptly called it off early last month with no explanation. At the time, authorities only said that the decision was made at the request of Assembly deputies.

The postponement touched off speculation that the move was likely an effort to solidify support for leader Kim Jong-il amid the ongoing standoff over the North's nuclear program.

The KCNA gave no details on the agenda of the upcoming session, but North Korea watchers say the rubber-stamp legislature will likely review 2004 state spending and approve this year's budget.

The North's legislature convenes irregularly once or twice a year.