REPORT:
TV shows Kim inspecting military
Agence France-Presse
First Posted 09:54:00 10/11/2008
SEOUL -- North Korean television on Saturday aired photographs of leader Kim Jong-Il inspecting a military unit, the South Korean Yonhap news agency said here.
Chosun Chung-ang TV showed 10 still pictures of Kim inspecting a women's battery of the Korean People's Army, Yonhap said.
It marked the first time since August 14 that North Korean news media has run photographs or footage of the reclusive leader in public.
Kim, 66, failed to appear at a September 9 anniversary parade, triggering speculation about his health. South Korean officials said he underwent brain surgery following a stroke but was recovering well.
Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency said Saturday Kim inspected a women's battery of KPA Unit 821. But it did not say when he made the visit.
"Walking in the compound of the barracks, he watched the thick verdure formed by trees of various species," KCNA said.
"He had a photo session with the service persons of the battery. He was accompanied by KPA Generals Hyon Chol Hae and Ri Myong Su," it added.
Speculation about Kim's health coincided with major problems in an international deal to end North Korea's nuclear programs in return for diplomatic concessions and energy aid.
Reports from several countries have said the United States is close to removing North Korea from a terrorism blacklist in the hope of saving the crumbling six-country nuclear disarmament deal.
But the US State Department acknowledged Friday it must bridge gaps with its partners over a plan to verify North Korea's nuclear disarmament before it strikes Pyongyang from a terrorism blacklist.
Kim's health is the subject of intense speculation since he has not publicly nominated a successor to run the impoverished nation. He officially took over from his own father, founding president Kim Il-Sung, in 1997.
North Korean officials and media have had no comment on Kim's health.
KCNA also said in a separate Korean-language report that Kim issued a long statement to mark the 63rd anniversary of the ruling Korean Workers Party on Friday, although he was not reported in public to mark the event.
Other Pyongyang media also aired reports on his visit to the military unit and the contents of the statement, even delaying regular news programs to show the report, monitors here said.
Kim reportedly attended a student football match last Saturday, media said, but no footage was released to backup the reports.
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