U.S. falls short of confirming reports of Kim Jong-il`s cancer

By Hwang Doo-hyong
WASHINGTON, July 13 (Yonhap) -- The United States Monday stopped short of
confirming the report that North Korean leader Kim Jong-il suffers from
pancreatic cancer and may die of the incurable disease in a relatively short
period of time.
In a daily news briefing, State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said that he has
"seen these reports about Kim Jong-il's health," but added, "I just have no
further information that we can share with you."
Reports said that the North Korean leader may die within a year or so of
pancreatic cancer, which he contracted last summer when he also apparently
suffered a stroke.
Fewer than five percent of pancreatic cancer patients are said to live longer
than five years.
Footage of North Korean media have recently shown Kim thin and limping,
apparently in the aftermath of the stroke, although he had been seen healthy with
a potbelly until last summer.
The reports on Kim's health come amid allegations that his third and youngest
son, Jong-un, has been named his heir apparent.
Kelly reiterated the U.S. government's practice "not to get into any information
that may be obtained though intelligence channels," and admitted "our means of
getting information, of course, are very limited" since there are no diplomatic
ties.
The spokesman, however, said that Washington has been closely consulting "on a
bilateral basis, both with South Korea and with China," on Kim's health.
The possibility of new leadership does color North Korea's refusal to address its
nuclear and ballistic missile ambitions through the six-party talks, he said.
"We have real concerns about North Korea's proliferation activities, about their
plans to develop nuclear and ballistic missile technology," he said. "So, of
course, we're concerned about any stories of political changes in Pyongyang."
Allegations are that North Korea's recent provocations, including its second
nuclear test in three years and missile launches, aim to smoothen the process of
power transition to 26-year-old Jong-un.
The North's nuclear and missile tests resulted in a strong U.N. Security Council
resolution that bans the North from any further nuclear and ballistic missile
tests and imposes financial sanctions and an overall arms embargo.
"And we have some very serious concerns about their actions, specifically
actions that run counter to various U.N. Security Council resolutions, their
refusal to address these concerns with the international community, most
specifically through the six-party talks," Kelly said. "And, of course, we have
a process in place so the leaders in North Korea know that there is a
consequence for these kinds of actions that are provocative and unduly raise
tension in Northeast Asia."
hdh@yna.co.kr
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