Kim keeps power in the family
Source: Agencies |
June 8, 2010, Tuesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
NORTH Korean leader Kim Jong Il's brother-in-law was promoted and a premier who apologized for a currency debacle was replaced yesterday in a parliamentary session.
Kim was shown on state-run TV presiding and sitting behind a desk in the middle of a long line of top officials.
The parliament, or the Supreme People's Assembly, usually meets once each year to approve bills vetted by the ruling Workers' Party. The body met in April, and no reason was given for holding yesterday's unusual second session.
Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency said the lawmakers approved a major leadership reshuffle.
The key change was the promotion of Kim's brother-in-law, Jang Song Thaek. He was named vice chairman of the all-powerful National Defense Commission, which makes security policy.
Jang is widely believed to be a key backer of the North Korean leader's third son, Kim Jong Un, who several analysts think will be his father's successor.
Jang is married to Kim's younger sister and is said to be poised to play a kingmaker role. Many believe he may lead a collective leadership after Kim's death until the new leader takes over.
Yang Moo-jin, a professor at Seoul-based University of North Korean Studies, said: "Electing Jang Song Thaek to the post of vice-chairman officially appoints him as No. 2 in facilitating a stable succession of power.
New premier
"With this post, he has been given all responsibility and rights to secure a stable structure for future succession."
The new premier is Choe Yong Rim, a parliament member who replaces Kim Yong Il, Korean Central News Agency reported.
Former Premier Kim offered a rare public apology in February after a failed currency revamp triggered social unrest.
Last November, citizens were ordered to turn in a limited number of old bills in exchange for new currency. But the measure left people with worthless bills while inflation surged because state-run shops couldn't keep up with demand.
The new premier, 81, is a seven-time incumbent member of North Korea's parliament who serves as chief secretary of the Pyongyang City Council of the Workers' Party.
Yesterday, South Korea's JoongAng Ilbo newspaper said it tracked down Kim's eldest son, Kim Jong Nam, at a hotel in south China's Macau Special Administrative region.
The paper had a picture of a paunchy, unshaven man dressed in jeans and blue suede Italian loafers.
In a brief interview while waiting for an elevator, Kim Jong Nam dismissed reports that he intended to seek asylum in Europe because he lost out in a power struggle with his brother, the paper said.
"I have no plans on moving to Europe. Why would I?" he said. "I could go there for a vacation, but I think you have only heard rumors."
Kim was shown on state-run TV presiding and sitting behind a desk in the middle of a long line of top officials.
The parliament, or the Supreme People's Assembly, usually meets once each year to approve bills vetted by the ruling Workers' Party. The body met in April, and no reason was given for holding yesterday's unusual second session.
Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency said the lawmakers approved a major leadership reshuffle.
The key change was the promotion of Kim's brother-in-law, Jang Song Thaek. He was named vice chairman of the all-powerful National Defense Commission, which makes security policy.
Jang is widely believed to be a key backer of the North Korean leader's third son, Kim Jong Un, who several analysts think will be his father's successor.
Jang is married to Kim's younger sister and is said to be poised to play a kingmaker role. Many believe he may lead a collective leadership after Kim's death until the new leader takes over.
Yang Moo-jin, a professor at Seoul-based University of North Korean Studies, said: "Electing Jang Song Thaek to the post of vice-chairman officially appoints him as No. 2 in facilitating a stable succession of power.
New premier
"With this post, he has been given all responsibility and rights to secure a stable structure for future succession."
The new premier is Choe Yong Rim, a parliament member who replaces Kim Yong Il, Korean Central News Agency reported.
Former Premier Kim offered a rare public apology in February after a failed currency revamp triggered social unrest.
Last November, citizens were ordered to turn in a limited number of old bills in exchange for new currency. But the measure left people with worthless bills while inflation surged because state-run shops couldn't keep up with demand.
The new premier, 81, is a seven-time incumbent member of North Korea's parliament who serves as chief secretary of the Pyongyang City Council of the Workers' Party.
Yesterday, South Korea's JoongAng Ilbo newspaper said it tracked down Kim's eldest son, Kim Jong Nam, at a hotel in south China's Macau Special Administrative region.
The paper had a picture of a paunchy, unshaven man dressed in jeans and blue suede Italian loafers.
In a brief interview while waiting for an elevator, Kim Jong Nam dismissed reports that he intended to seek asylum in Europe because he lost out in a power struggle with his brother, the paper said.
"I have no plans on moving to Europe. Why would I?" he said. "I could go there for a vacation, but I think you have only heard rumors."
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