N. Korean leadership stable with Kim in full charge: Seoul

SEOUL, Feb. 20 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is in full control of
the communist country and its leadership is stable, the Seoul government said
Friday, after U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed concern about
uncertainty in Pyongyang.

On her flight to Seoul from Jakarta, Clinton said Thursday night, "If there is a
succession, even if it's a peaceful succession, that creates more uncertainty,"
adding, "the whole leadership situation is somewhat unclear."
Contrary to the remarks by Washington's top diplomat, Seoul's Unification
Ministry said North Korean leader Kim is in full command and that all information
indicates he is well enough to run the country.
"The North Korean leadership is stable and he is overseeing state affairs in a
normal manner," ministry spokesman Kim Ho-nyoun said.
The spokesman also said there is no sign yet that North Korea is officially
preparing for a succession.
Speculation about an imminent power transfer has mounted since Kim reportedly
suffered a stroke in August. Recent North Korean and Chinese media reports showed
Kim has considerably recovered, but concerns of his health refuse to subside.
Kim, who turned 67 this year, has a history of diabetes and heart disease.
State-run media in the North have recently emphasized the themes of "bloodline"
and "inheritance."
hkim@yna.co.kr
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