N. Korean leader visits factory, lab in Chagang Province

SEOUL, Dec. 16 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-il visited an electronics
laboratory, a library and a factory in Chagang Province near the Chinese border,
the communist country's state media said Tuesday.

The (North) Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) did not specify the date the tour
took place, but the report comes five days after the reclusive leader's last
public appearance on Dec. 11.
At that time, Kim visited several farms and a folk village in the city of Sariwon
in Hwanghae Province.
The KCNA reports come on the heels of South Korean and U.S. intelligence claims
that the 66-year-old Kim is recovering from a stroke, but North Korea has
vehemently denied those reports.
Apparently to show that Kim is active and remains in control of the state, North
Korean media have released photos and articles showing the leader inspecting
military units and factories, as well as attending a sporting event.
The report, meanwhile, said Kim was accompanied by high-ranking officials from
North Korea's ruling Workers' Party and army generals Hyun Chol-hae and Ri
Myong-su.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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