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Changes in the North Korean Military
Reports have surfaced in the South Korean media of changes in the high military leadership of North Korea. Power is being concentrated in the National Defense Commission, which is headed by Kim Jong-il. Analysts say that preparations are underway for the time when Kim Jong-il will no longer be able to serve as leader.
Chief of the North Korean general staff Kim Young-chun has been named deputy chairman of the NDC. Ri Myong-su, former operations director of the North's Korean People's Army, has been made a member of the commission. Analysts say that the ten-member commission is being transformed from a body that concentrates on defense and security to the ruling organ of the state, taking over authority from the government and the Korean Workers' Party.
The logical purpose of the changes is to insure a smooth transfer of power to Kim Jong-il's successor, who has yet to be named. Kim Jong-il's wife, Kim Jong-il Ok, has been named head of one of the commission's secretariats and one of Kim Jong-il's sons is also thought to work in the commission. Kim Myong-kuk has been named chief military operations commander. He also accompanied Kim Jong-il on all of his trips. Kim Kyok-sik has been named chief of the general staff.
Experts say that Kim Jong-il faces increasing opposition from conservative elderly military and party leaders whom the leader cannot easily replace. It is thought that they forced the leader to replace prime minister Pak Pong-ju last week.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of May 23, 2007
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