Posted on 02/16/2010 5:03:11 AM PST by Loyalist
North Korea has been holding birthday celebrations for its leader, Kim Jong-il, who, with the military, holds a firm grip on the country.
Officials praised Mr Kim's leadership, but in contrast to tough talk last year also called for dialogue with the West.
The celebrations come as diplomatic efforts continue to try to restart multi-nation talks with North Korea on ending its nuclear programme.
The country is also recovering from a recent chaotic currency revaluation.
The birthday, one of North Korea's most important public holidays, was marked by synchronised swimming displays, a flower festival and gifts of sweets to children.
Poetry recitals also took place at Mr Kim's official birthplace, although he does not attend any of the events himself.
Officials gathered to praise Mr Kim as "peerlessly brilliant", say reports, but the usual stark denunciations of the West were missing.
....
Mr Kim, like his father Kim Il-sung before him, has sustained a huge personality cult around his leadership - even his birth year and birthplace remain obscure.
Official accounts say he was born on 16 February 1942, on Mount Paektu, a sacred site for Koreans, with a double rainbow and a bright star marking the event.
Most analysts believe he was in fact born in Siberia, where his father was in exile. Some put his birth year at 1941.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.bbc.co.uk ...
Most analysts believe he was in fact born in Siberia, where his father was in exile. Some put his birth year at 1941.
So who's going to ask him to produce his birth certificate?
I’m sure BO/BS will send him a birthday card.
He has witnesses who will confirm it!
Was it on the hole with the windmill, and the laughing gorilla, or was it the big dinosaur hole?
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