Monday, June 7, 2010

Kim Jong Il clearing the path for succession?

On Monday, Kim Jong Il attended an extroadinary session of parliament where some key government posts changed hands. Many analysts see this as a move to clear the way for one of his sons. Kim's brother-in-law, Jang Son Thaek, was promoted to second-in-command. Jang is believed to be a supporter of Kim's third son, Kim Jong Un. Analyst believe that Jang will use his influence to bring the third son to power when his father dies. This assembly was definitely meant to be a statement, because the parliament had already met in April and had no reason to meet at this time. There is also a new premier, Choe Yong Rim. He takes the position of the last premier who was blamed for the fall of North Korea's currency last November.

Submitted by: Madelyn Higdon

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