N. Korean diplomats in China doing business as usual: sources

SHENYANG, China, Oct. 19 (Yonhap) -- North Korean diplomats in China showed no signs of unusual activity, sources here said Sunday, casting doubt on Japanese reports that Pyongyang had ordered its diplomats abroad to stand by for an upcoming "important announcement."

The Sankei Shimbun and the Daily Yomiuri reported over this weekend that North
Korea has ordered its diplomats not to leave their missions, as it plans to make
an important announcement as early as Monday. Citing unidentified sources, the
reports said the announcement could possibly be about the health condition of
North Korean leader Kim Jong-il amid his prolonged absence from the public eye.
Amid mounting speculations, however, North Korean diplomatic missions in China
were doing business as usual, according to sources. Some North Korean Embassy
staff in Beijing were still out of the town after going on official trips, said a
source well-versed in North Korean missions in the Chinese capital.
"In connection with the standby order rumors, I've been paying attention to any
moves in the North Korean Embassy in China, but sensed no unusual activity," the
source said on condition of anonymity.
Another source said, "Some said North Korea may announce new measures soon with
regard to the recent U.S. delisting of North Korea from the terror-sponsoring
nations list, but it is not certain whether the possible new announcement will be
important enough to issue a standby order to diplomats."
Ri Ki-bom, North Korea's consul-general in Shenyang, appeared at an anniversary
event of a Korean newspaper in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, on Friday and seemed
to be continuing his outside activities, sources said.
A Korean-Chinese businessman whose interests involve North Korea also doubted the
authenticity of the rumors, citing his recent meeting with North Korean Cabinet
officials who came to Dalian, Liaoning Province, for an official trip.
"If it's true that North Korea issued a standby order to missions abroad, could
they really be able to travel to China?" he asked.
South Korean officials said they have seen nothing special in the North.
"We are checking the report," a South Korean government official said on
Saturday. ""After the report came out, nothing special has been detected, but we
are closely watching the situation in North Korea."
Another official said no unusual symptoms, such as strengthened border control or
increased communication, were detected.
Kim's absence from recent state events, including a parade marking the 60th
anniversary of the nation's founding, has fanned speculation about his health and
a possible power reshuffle in the communist country.
South Korean and U.S. intelligence officials said the 66-year-old Kim underwent
surgery after suffering a stroke in mid-August and is now recovering. Still,
rumors circulate about his health.
Last week, North Korea's state media released photos of Kim inspecting a women's
military unit, marking the first time Pyongyang has released a photo of Kim in 56
days. Officials suspected, however, that the photos could have been taken as far
back as mid-August, based on the foliage.
hkim@yna.co.kr