北朝鮮の金総書記の死'を発表する North Korea 'to announce Kim's death'
October 20, 2008 North Korea would make an "important announcement" today amid speculation over the health of its leader Kim Jong Il, it was reported yesterday. The 66-year-old North Korean leader disappeared from view in mid-August and failed to make appearances on two national holidays, leading to Western speculation he was ill. US and South Korean officials claimed he suffered a stroke and had brain surgery, but North Korea denied he was ill, and produced TV footage of a public appearance. Quoting unidentified sources at Japan's defence ministry, reports yesterday said Tokyo had information that "there will be an important announcement on October 20". The report said there was speculation in the Japanese Government that North Korea's announcement could be about Mr Kim's death, or a government change induced by a coup. North Korea will ban foreigners from entering the country starting today, the report said. AP http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24520060-2703,00.html