N. Korean leader visits new greenhouse

SEOUL, April 27 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-il visited an
agricultural university to give field guidance about a newly-built greenhouse
there, Pyongyang's news agency said Monday.

Kim looked around the "soil-type pollution-free greenhouse" where the regulation
of light, temperature and humidity are automatically controlled at the Wonsan
University of Agriculture in Wonsan, South Hamgyong Province, said the Korean
Central News Agency.
"He looked round the inside and outside of the greenhouse to learn in detail
about its construction and use," it said.
"Wonsan University of Agriculture has an important role to play in the
development of the nation's agriculture," he was quoted as saying, and "it is
necessary to consolidate the scientific research centers including greenhouses,
conduct research work under a long-term plan and pay deep attention to the work
and life of the teaching staff and the students."
Kim visited the same university on Feb. 13 before construction was completed.
He was accompanied by Kim Ki-nam, secretary of the Workers' Party central
committee, Jang Song-thaek and Pak Nam-gi, the party's department directors, the
report said. Jang, Kim's only brother-in-law who was promoted as a member of the
powerful National Defense Commission in an April 9th reshuffle, has become a
regular in Kim's field trips since late last year in a possible sign his
influence over state affairs has expanded since the leader allegedly suffered a
stroke in August.
hkim@yna.co.kr
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