House in session but no word on Kim's son
Source: Agencies |
April 8, 2011, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea's parliament praised progress in building the economy and approved a handful of government appointments yesterday but state media made no mention of a major promotion for the son of leader Kim Jong Il.
Delegates to the Supreme People's Assembly convened a spring session in Pyongyang amid speculation that heir apparent Kim Jong Un would be elected to the powerful National Defense Commission - a move that would further solidify the young man's standing as the next leader.
However, there was no mention of the son in dispatches from the official Korean Central News Agency or footage of the parliamentary session in an evening newscast on state TV.
Yesterday's session was the DPRK's first major national meeting since Kim Jong Un made his political debut in September by taking on a key leadership post in the Workers' Party. Since then, the 28-year-old has appeared regularly at Kim Jong Il's side, his father's clear choice among three sons as heir apparent.
Analysts say election to the National Defense Commission, which formulates key state and military policies, would be the next step in the path to formally naming him as successor. The commission's No. 2 post, first vice chairman, has been vacant since November.
Kim Jong Il himself was elected by parliament 18 years ago to be chairman of the commission - a position that makes him the nation's leader under the constitution.
Appointments approved yesterday at Mansudae Assembly Hall included the naming of a new security chief, Ri Myong Su, a four-star general who is a department director at the commission. Ri replaced Ju Sang Song, who was dismissed last month.
Delegates to the Supreme People's Assembly convened a spring session in Pyongyang amid speculation that heir apparent Kim Jong Un would be elected to the powerful National Defense Commission - a move that would further solidify the young man's standing as the next leader.
However, there was no mention of the son in dispatches from the official Korean Central News Agency or footage of the parliamentary session in an evening newscast on state TV.
Yesterday's session was the DPRK's first major national meeting since Kim Jong Un made his political debut in September by taking on a key leadership post in the Workers' Party. Since then, the 28-year-old has appeared regularly at Kim Jong Il's side, his father's clear choice among three sons as heir apparent.
Analysts say election to the National Defense Commission, which formulates key state and military policies, would be the next step in the path to formally naming him as successor. The commission's No. 2 post, first vice chairman, has been vacant since November.
Kim Jong Il himself was elected by parliament 18 years ago to be chairman of the commission - a position that makes him the nation's leader under the constitution.
Appointments approved yesterday at Mansudae Assembly Hall included the naming of a new security chief, Ri Myong Su, a four-star general who is a department director at the commission. Ri replaced Ju Sang Song, who was dismissed last month.
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