N. Korean leader's achievements include purging of his uncle: KCNA
2014/12/15 14:43
SEOUL, Dec. 15 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has laid the groundwork for his stable and long-term leadership by purging his uncle Jang Song-thaek a year ago, Pyongyang's state media said Monday.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) described the execution of Jang as a major political accomplishment of Kim, who is finishing his third year in power.
The North caught the world by surprise as it executed Jang, who once served as a key patron of the young leader, in December last year on rebellion charges.
Since Kim, known to be in his early 30s, seized power three years ago, the political unity of the North has strengthened, the KCNA said.
In particular, the purging of Jang and his aides have boosted ideological unity in the nation, it said.
The North has also relished the heyday of its military over the past three years through a "revolutionary shift" in combat training and readiness, the KCNA claimed.
It cited the successful launch of what it claims to be a satellite in December 2012, which the outside world views as a guise for a long-range rocket test, although it did not mention a third nuclear test in February 2013.
Observers in Seoul say Kim Jong-un seems to be gearing up for his full-fledged leadership as the three-year mourning period for his late father Kim Jong-il has passed.
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