SEOUL SPY CHIEF:
FEBRUARY 23 2010 11:56h
Text
Some analysts say Pyongyang is waiting for the right opportunity to announce Jong-Un's nomination as eventual successor.
SEOUL, February 23, 2010 (AFP) - North Korea's ailing leader Kim Jong-Il is showing "symptoms of nervousness", South Korea's spy chief said Tuesday, amid international pressure on the communist state to return to nuclear talks.
Won Se-Hoon told an intelligence committee in parliament that Kim, 68, was suffering "a lot of anxieties regarding resolving pending issues", Yonhap news agency said.
Won, head of the National Intelligence Service, did not elaborate on the "pending issues", but North Korea is grappling food shortages, economic woes and an international standoff over its nuclear programmes.
The spy head said Kim, who suffered a stroke in August 2008, was "trying hard to appear healthy" by removing spots on his face.
The reclusive leader was "relying increasingly on his family and old friends", Won said.
Kim, whose health has been the subject of intense speculation, is widely reported to be preparing for the eventual succession of his youngest son Jong-Un.
Jong-Un has been expanding his political influence since he turned 26 on January 8, Yonhap said.
Some analysts say Pyongyang is waiting for the right opportunity to announce Jong-Un's nomination as eventual successor.
Nuclear disaster zones to be designated
Refugees report rise in sectarian violence
Israel prepares for mass protests


French President Sarkozy campaigns..
Joey Kramer and Steve Tyler announce Aerosmith &qu
Liberal MP Justin Trudeau and Conservative Senator
"Space Brothers (Uchu kyodai)" Japan premiere
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan Visits
Kate Winslet attends the World Premiere of "T
Syria's President Bashar al-Assad Visited Homs
Atlantans crowd Capitol to rally for slain Florida
Michelle Obama welcomes school children to help pl
Matthew Morrison attends the "Empire Awards 2
SCIENCE
SCIENCE
WORLD REPORT