Kim Jong Il promotes son

South Korea (AP):

Kim Jong Il made his mysterious youngest son a four-star general in a promotion seen yesterday as the first step toward his ascent as the next leader of North Korea, extending the family dynasty in the reclusive totalitarian country to a third generation.

The announcement was published in state media hours before a historic Workers' Party meeting where the 68-year-old Kim, who apparently is in deteriorating health, was expected to bestow a party title on his son, Kim Jong Un, who is in his 20s.

The North Korean capital of Pyongyang was decorated with banners and placards celebrating the country's biggest political gathering in 30 years. It was at a similar meeting in 1980 where state media revealed that Kim Jong II was in line to succeed his father, Kim Il Sung, the country's founder who died in 1994.

At yesterday's meeting, Kim Jong II was re-elected to the party's top position of general secretary. State media gave no further details on what was discussed or decided. Footage shot by broadcaster APTN showed buses carrying party delegates leaving Pyongyang, a sign the meeting may have ended.