Kim Jong-il reappears, gets 3rd term as leader

SEOUL: Kim Jong-il laid to rest speculation about his health with a triumphant return to parliament yesterday for his appointment to a third term as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) supreme leader.

Kim, solemnly presiding over the opening session of the country's legislature, was making his first major public appearance since reportedly suffering a stroke last August. He appeared considerably thinner and older than nine months ago.

Limping ever so slightly as he arrived to a standing ovation from fellow deputies to the 687-seat Supreme People's Assembly, he returned their applause by clapping, then motioned for them to be seated, footage broadcast on state TV yesterday evening showed.