Seoul, July 8 (DPA) North Korean leader Kim Jong Il made a rare public appearance Wednesday at a memorial ceremony for his father, the country’s late founder, on the 15th anniversary of his death.
Kim, 67, was shown by North Korea’s Chosun TV walking into a Pyongyang auditorium, taking his seat and mourning his father at the ceremony that was attended by hundreds of military officers and senior government officials.
Kim walked with a slight limp and appeared visibly aged. One side of his mouth was slightly raised on his usual poker face.
Kim, 67, is thought to have suffered a stroke last year.
His public appearance was the first since he attended the April 11 meeting of Communist Party members.
Communist officials used the occasion to praise his leadership.
“The recent launches of rockets and nuclear tests represent an epochal victory of our people, as they were prepared under his leadership of strong faith, will and courage. These will power our drive towards becoming a world power,” Kim Yong Nam, North Korea’s number two leader, told the meeting.
Communist officials also confirmed the nation’s commitment to its military.
“We will further strengthen our military forces, and develop the defence industry, and boost a spirit of respect for the military so that we will defend our socialist mother nation. We are fully committed to becoming a world power by 2012 which marks the 100th anniversary of our founding father’s birth,” Kim Yong Nam added.
Kim Jong Il took power after his father Kim Il Sung died of heart failure July 8, 1994 at the age of 82. His embalmed body lies in the palace.
The memorial is being held this year amid speculation that Kim Jong Il is preparing to hand over power to his youngest son.
Tension rose as the communist country test-fired a series of missiles and conducted a nuclear test May 25.
