PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) - North Korea displayed the body of ruler Kim Jong Il in a glass coffin surrounded by red flowers Tuesday, and his young heir was one of the first to pay respects - a strong indication that a smooth leadership transition was under way.| More likely, the generals are waiting for the funeral to finish before making their moves. The U.S., South Korea and the MSM have little insight into the workings of Nork-land. How in the world can an AP reporter have a 'strong indication' of anything? In such situations, it's better to examine human nature and assume that the most cynical outcome will be the likeliest... |
As solemn music played, Kim Jong Un - believed to be in his late 20s - entered the hall to view his father's bier, surrounded by military honor guards. He observed a moment of solemn silence, then circled the bier, followed by other officials.
Outside one of the capital's main performance centers, mourners carried wreaths and flowers toward a portrait of Kim Jong Il. Groups were allowed to grieve in front of the portrait for a few minutes at a time.
There have been no signs of unrest or discord in Pyongyang's somber streets.
With the country in an 11-day period of official mourning, flags were flown at half-staff at all military units, factories, businesses, farms and public buildings. The streets of Pyongyang were quiet, but throngs of people gathered at landmarks honoring Kim.
The AP footage showed Kim's bier decorated by a wreath from Kim Jong Un along with various medals and orders.
| "What he'd get the medals for?" "Starving people." "Oh, a true communist then." |
| There's your fate, Kimmie, preserved like a bug in a jar... |
The two-day state funeral is to begin at the Kamsusan Memorial Palace on Dec. 28. North Korean officials say they will not invite foreign delegations and will allow no entertainment during the mourning period.
| We at the Burg, however, shall do the happy dance... |
