Transfer of power going smoothly

Associated Press

PYONGYANG, North Korea

The hand-over of power in North Korea to Kim Jong Il’s young son appeared to be going smoothly Thursday, with official media calling him the “outstanding leader” and no outward unrest in the capital or troop movements along its borders.

Foreign governments have focused intense scrutiny on North Korea since Kim’s death was announced Monday because of concerns over his untested heir’s rise in a country with a nuclear program, 1.2-million strong military and a history of deep animosity toward its neighbors.

But the capital remained a scene of mourning — not protest — on Thursday. U.S. and South Korean military officials said there had been no unusual military movements by the North Koreans in recent days.

“This appears to be a relatively smooth transition on the peninsula, and we hope it stays that way,” Pentagon spokesman George Little said in Washington, adding that there has been no increase in force-protection levels for U.S. troops in South Korea.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak sought to assure Pyongyang that his country was “not hostile,” despite putting its front-line troops on alert since Kim’s death was announced.

South Korean Defense Ministry spokesman Yoon Won-sik said North Korea’s military isn’t showing any particular movement and that the South’s troops are operating normally despite the alert.

In a clear signal to North Korea’s people and the outside world, the North’s main newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, in a lengthy editorial urged the country to “rally, rally and rally behind great comrade Kim Jong Un and faithfully uphold his leadership.”