SEOUL, Dec 31 (Reuters) - North Korea announced today it has appointed Kim Jong-un, the anointed successor and youngest son of Kim Jong-il, as supreme commander of its 1.2 million-strong military, two days after official mourning for the late leader ended.
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| North Korea's new leader Kim Jong-un salutes during the funeral of late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang in this still image taken from video December 28. Reuters |
The North's state news agency KCNA said the appointment was made at a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party on Friday.
KCNA said the Political Bureau members “courteously proclaimed the dear comrade Kim Jong-un, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea, assumed the supreme commandership of the Korean People's Army”, according to a will made by Kim Jong-il on Oct. 8.
It did not elaborate on the will. Since Kim Jong-il's death on Dec. 17, the North's state media have dubbed Kim Jong-un “supreme commander”.
Some Korea-watchers say it may take Kim Jong-un some months to assume the full panoply of official titles held by his father.
But the announcement of the politburo's decision not only meant official approval of his control of one of the world's most powerful armed forces but also indicated the consolidation of his power could be much faster than expected. |
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