President Barack Obama said Tuesday that North Korea can no …
North Koreans leave the grounds of the Mansudae Art Studio after watching the unveiling of a new bronze statue depicting the late leader Kim Jong Il and his father Kim Il Sung on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)
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NKorea marks late leader's birthday by backing son
Kim Jong Il died in December
Updated: Wednesday, 15 Feb 2012, 6:01 AM CST
Published : Wednesday, 15 Feb 2012, 5:48 AM CST
PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) — Senior North Korean officials are pledging loyalty to new leader Kim Jong Un ahead of what would have been his late father Kim Jong Il's 70th birthday.
Photos: The death of Kim Jong Il
Kim Jong Un and thousands of military and party officials gathered Wednesday in Pyongyang. Kim Jong Il's birthday is Thursday.
The audience clapped loudly as ceremonial head of state Kim Yong Nam gave a speech praising Kim Jong Un as the unquestioned successor to Kim Jong Il.
Kim Jong Il died in December. North Korea has since held nationwide rallies and conventions to pledge allegiance to his son.
Kim Jong Un is believed to be in his late 20s. North Korea's General Staff chief Ri Yong Ho sat next to him during Wednesday's gathering.
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