N.K. diplomats spurn rumors of Kim's illness

NEW YORK, Sept. 11 (Yonhap) -- North Korean diplomats here on Wednesday described as nonsense media speculation over their leader Kim Jong-il's health problems.

South Korean intelligence officials said Kim had suffered either a stroke or cerebral hemorrhage but is recovering.

Kim has not been seen in public since Aug. 14 when he reportedly inspected a
military unit in North Korea. His absence from a crucial military parade Tuesday
commemorating the country's 60th anniversary sparked further speculation about
his health.

A North Korean official at the country's representative to the United Nations
dismissed questions from a Yonhap News Agency correspondent seeking to confirm
the intelligence report.

"Since we are busy doing our job, we don't have time to heed to such
things," he said.

He hurriedly left the mission's office building, refusing to answer further
questions.

Sin Son-ho, the North's ambassador to the mission, also refused to comment when
leaving the building.

The North Korean office on the 13th floor appeared quiet, with all of its windows
curtained off.

Phone calls to the mission were not answered. A North Korean official belatedly
received a phone call late in the afternoon but immediately hung up when
questioned about Kim's health problems.

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