No sign of North Korea's 'important announcement'
There is still no sign of the "important announcement" due to be made by North Korea
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Monday, 20, Oct 2008 09:03
South Korean officials have have played down reports over the weekend that North Korea was due to make an "important announcement" amid speculation about the health of its leader Kim Jong-il.
Last week, two Japanese newspapers quoted defence sources in North Korea as saying the announcement would be made on Monday.
Media reports speculated that the announcement, which could usher in political and economic changes in the region, could be linked to the health of the reclusive 66-year-old.
The North Korean leader has been the subject of intense speculation since he disappeared from public view in August, with reports suggesting he had suffered a stroke and had undergone brain surgery.
Pyongyang has, however, continually denied the rumours and pictures were released recently showing the authoritarian leader visiting a female military camp.
Speaking at a news briefing on Monday, Kim Ho-nyeon, a spokesman for South Korea's unification ministry, said there was "nothing to confirm" regarding the 66-year-old's health.
"There are no unusual signs regarding civilian exchanges between the south and the north. They are going on as scheduled."
"All of the North's domestic broadcasts, its international events and domestic events are being conducted normally," he said.