The United States of America today expressed sadness of the death of National Defense Commission Chairman Kim Jong Il.
Kim Jong-il was born 16th February 1942). He was the supreme leader of North Korea. He was the General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, the ruling party since 1948, Chairman of the National Defence Commission of North Korea, and the supreme commander of the Korean People’s Army, the fourth-largest standing army in the world, according to Wikipedia.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is now in a period of national mourning.
“We are deeply concerned with the well being of the North Korean people and our thoughts and prayers are with them during these difficult times.” -Ms. Clinton
She noted the United States hopes that the new leadership of the DPRK will choose to guide their nation onto the path of peace by honoring North Korea’s commitments, improving relations with its neighbors, and respecting the rights of its people.
Ms. Clinton stressed that the United States stands ready to help the North Korean people and urges the new leadership to work with the international community to usher in a new era of peace, prosperity and lasting security on the Korean Peninsula.
Kim Jong-il died of a massive heart attack on 17th December 2011. He was succeeded by his youngest son Kim Jong-Un, who was hailed by the Korean Central News Agency as the “Great Successor.”
