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19/12/2011
Kim's Death 'Turning Point' For North Korea
The UK's Foreign Secretary has called the death of Kim Jong Ii a "turning point" for the people of North Korea.
Kim Jong Il or "dear leader" as he insisted he was called, died aged 69 from a heart attack on a train during a "field guidance" tour of the country.
Responding to the news of the unpredictable dictator's death, William Hague, said: “The people of N Korea are in official mourning after the death of Kim Jong Il. We understand this is a difficult time for them.
“This could be a turning point for North Korea. We hope that their new leadership will recognise that engagement with the international community offers the best prospect of improving the lives of ordinary North Korean people.
Jong Il had long attracted criticism and concern from the west over his nuclear armament ambitions, and a number of secret nuclear tests were reported. The country is one of the most heavily militarised in the world, with nearly 10 million active soldiers.
The country also had a turbulent relationship with its southern half, from whence it was divided in 1945 after World War II.
William Hague added: “We encourage North Korea to work for peace and security in the region and take the steps necessary to allow the resumption of the Six Party Talks on denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula”.
Meanwhile in the US, White House spokesman Jay Carney said they were closely monitoring the reports that Kim Jong-il was dead.
"The President has been notified, and we are in close touch with our allies in South Korea and Japan. We remain committed to stability on the Korean peninsula, and to the freedom and security of our allies."
The dictator is to be replaced by his son, Kim Jong Un.
(DW)
Kim Jong Il or "dear leader" as he insisted he was called, died aged 69 from a heart attack on a train during a "field guidance" tour of the country.
Responding to the news of the unpredictable dictator's death, William Hague, said: “The people of N Korea are in official mourning after the death of Kim Jong Il. We understand this is a difficult time for them.
“This could be a turning point for North Korea. We hope that their new leadership will recognise that engagement with the international community offers the best prospect of improving the lives of ordinary North Korean people.
Jong Il had long attracted criticism and concern from the west over his nuclear armament ambitions, and a number of secret nuclear tests were reported. The country is one of the most heavily militarised in the world, with nearly 10 million active soldiers.
The country also had a turbulent relationship with its southern half, from whence it was divided in 1945 after World War II.
William Hague added: “We encourage North Korea to work for peace and security in the region and take the steps necessary to allow the resumption of the Six Party Talks on denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula”.
Meanwhile in the US, White House spokesman Jay Carney said they were closely monitoring the reports that Kim Jong-il was dead.
"The President has been notified, and we are in close touch with our allies in South Korea and Japan. We remain committed to stability on the Korean peninsula, and to the freedom and security of our allies."
The dictator is to be replaced by his son, Kim Jong Un.
(DW)
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