[Graphic News] North Korean reshuffle underscores focus on domestic stability
By Korea HeraldPublished : April 10, 2014 - 21:05
The Supreme People’s Assembly elected Choe Ryong-hae, the military‘s top political officer, as a new vice chairman of the North’s most powerful body, the National Defense Commission ― a post that had been vacant following last year’s bloody purge of Jang Song-thaek, leader Kim Jong-un’s once-powerful uncle.
The North also appointed Ri Su-yong, a former ambassador to Switzerland, as foreign minister to replace Pak Ui-chun. Defense Minister Jang Jong-nam became a new member of the NDC.
Kim was reaffirmed as first chairman of the NDC in a show of “absolute support and trust of all service personnel and people in him.” Kim Yong-nam, president of the Presidium of the SPA, and Premier Pak Pong-ju also retained their jobs in an apparent sign that Pyongyang is seeking stability amid tensions with Seoul and Washington.
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Articles by Korea Herald