North Korea Declares Kim Jong-Un Supreme Military Commander
North Korea said Saturday new leader Kim Jong-Un has formally been appointed supreme military commander, another sign he is tightening his grip on power, as it renewed vitriolic attacks on Seoul.
Jong-Un had already been declared "supreme leader" of the country during memorial ceremonies for his late father Kim Jong-Il on Thursday, as the nation ended 13 days of mourning.
"The dear respected Kim Jong-Un...assumed the supreme commandership of the Korean People's Army at the behest of leader Kim Jong-Il," according to the official news agency.
It said the decision was proclaimed Friday at a meeting of the political bureau of the ruling communist party's central committee.
Jong-Un, aged in his late 20s, inherits the world's fourth largest armed forces of 1.2 million and a national policy known as Songun that prioritizes their needs over those of civilians.
U.N. agencies say a quarter of the population urgently needs food aid, the ailing economy is struggling with shortages of power and raw materials and a nuclear and missile program has brought international sanctions.
But the regime stressed Friday it would not change course.
We "solemnly declare with confidence that the south Korean puppets and foolish politicians around the world should not expect any change,” said a statement from the National Defense Commission, the top decision-making body.
The North said it would never have dealings with the conservative South Korean government, which it designates as "traitors,” and harshly criticized Seoul for perceived slights during the mourning process for Kim.
"We will surely force the group of traitors to pay for its hideous crimes committed at the time of the great national misfortune," it said.
Pyongyang renewed the attack Saturday, threatening to "settle accounts" with President Lee Myung-Bak's government unless it apologizes for the alleged insults.
"He (Lee) is the worst type of anti-reunification element, traitor and pro-US fascist maniac steeped in extreme bitterness towards compatriots and confrontation hysteria to the marrow of his bones," the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea said in a statement.
The North "is left with no option but to finally settle accounts with the Lee group unless it apologizes for the above-said crimes,” it said.
Source: Agence France Presse
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