A Japanese daily says a source close to North Korean leader Kim Jong-il believes the leader is healthy and is looking to engage in direct dialogue with the United States and Japan.

The Mainichi Shimbun daily quoted an Italian businessman who claims to have met with Kim in September when rumors of his ill health began to emerge.

The paper also said that Kim expected relations with Washington to improve regarding the nuclear issue and financial sanctions when Barack Obama becomes the next U.S. president.

The Italian was also cited as completely denying rumors about Kim’s worsening health.