North Korea To Name New Leadership
By Damien Pearse, Sky News Online
North Korea is expected to name new leadership at an historic meeting on September 28.
 |
| Kim Jong-il's health has deteriorated since he reportedly had a stroke |
Analysts believe current leader Kim Jong-il's youngest son Kim Jong-un is likely to be given an official title at the Workers' Party conference.
That would pave the way for his eventual succession as leader.
Jong-il, who is believed to have suffered a stroke in 2008, has reportedly accelerated succession plans.
The North's KCNA news agency said the conference would be held in Pyongyang "for electing its supreme leadership body", but provided no further details of the agenda.
 |
| Anti-missile protesters hold a picture believed to be that of King Jong-un |
"The meetings elected working people and officials who have displayed patriotic devotion at the work sites for effecting a fresh revolutionary surge, remaining intensely loyal to the party and revolution as delegates to the conference," it said.
Next week's meeting will be the biggest political meeting in North Korea since 1980, when Jong-il himself began his official role.
He succeeded his father and state founder by taking on a Workers' Party title at the age of 38.
The 68-year-old leader, however, is not expected to go into retirement just yet despite his declining health, experts say.
His 20-something son is considered too young and inexperienced.
But by signalling Kim Jong-un's rise, experts say North Korea is readying for a collective father-and-son leadership in years to come.
That would cement the family's grip on power.
No comments:
Post a Comment