N. Korean leader tours Air Force base: news report

SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has toured an Air Force base, Pyongyang's official news wire said Sunday, marking his seventh reported public appearance this month amid speculations that his health is failing.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Kim inspected Air Force unit 1016 and
reviewed the overall preparedness of the troops and support facilities.
Kim, who's official title is chairman of the National Defense Commission, watched
pilots undergo training and expressed satisfaction at the base's readiness to
deal with enemy aggression.
"He set forth tasks to be fulfilled to boost combat capability of the unit in
every way," the state-run news agency said.
Kim was met by Ri Pyong-chol, head of the Korean People's Army Air Force at the
base, according to the report.
The public appearance is the first to be reported by the North since Kim was
shown looking over a soap factory in Sinuiju on Nov. 24, according to observers.
It is the second visit to a military base this month after he reportedly toured
two units on Nov. 4.
There has been widespread speculation that Kim was recently incapacitated by a
stroke. The reclusive leader had been absent from public view for nearly two
months, from Aug. 14 to early October.
Since early October, North Korean media have moved to quell such suspicions by
releasing photos of Kim attending an artistic performance and a soccer game
between soldiers and inspecting military units.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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