SPECULATION WAS mounting yesterday about the health of North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-il, after two newspapers in Japan reported that the regime was poised to issue an "important message".
The Sankei Shimbun, a rightwing broadsheet, quoted an unidentified Japanese defence ministry official as saying that "an announcement of important information will be made on October 20th." The report did not provide details, but analysts believe the announcement could pertain to Mr Kim's health, relations with South Korea or even a coup against the "Dear Leader".
Others suggested the message could be less dramatic, such as the launch of a new economic policy or a reshuffle in the Korean Workers' party.
The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper said at the weekend that North Korean diplomats had been instructed not to leave their embassies and to remain on standby for an important announcement. The right-leaning Yomiuri, which quoted multiple unnamed sources, said the instruction had been sent out over the past few days.
Speculation that Mr Kim (66) is seriously ill intensified after he disappeared from public view in mid-August, failing even to attend a parade to mark the country's 60th anniversary on September 9th.
South Korean and US officials said Mr Kim had suffered a stroke and undergone brain surgery. Earlier this month the Korean Central News Agency, the regime's mouthpiece, released unverified reports that Mr Kim had attended a football match. But doubt has been cast on the authenticity of photographs released last week purporting to show a healthy Kim inspecting a military unit.
Pentagon experts said foliage visible in the background suggested they could have been taken several months ago.
Some analysts claimed the Sankei and Yomiuri, both relentless in their criticism of North Korea, were attempting to stir up speculation. - ( Guardianservice)