‘DPRK leader taking control of economy’

The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters on Friday that the new leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) dismissed military chief Ri Yong-ho earlier this week for his opposition to plans for the most significant economic overhaul in the reclusive state in decades.

“Ri Yong-ho was the most ardent supporter of [former leader] Kim Jong-il’s ‘military first’ policy,” the source said.

In the past, the source’s predictions have been correct, most notably one about North Korea’s first nuclear test in 2006, made just days before it was conducted.

The source’s remarks seem to indicate that young leader Kim Jong-un, who is thought to be about 29 years old, and his uncle and close confidant Jang Song-thaek, who is said to be the power behind the throne, have managed to consolidate political and military power.

Kim Jong-un was promoted to the rank of marshal this week in a move that reinforced his position as leader, which he assumed following the death of his father in December 2011.

The source also said North Korea’s cabinet has set up a “political bureau” to run the economy, which has been deteriorating since a deadly famine in the 1990s.

“In the past, the cabinet was empty with no say in the economy. The military controlled the economy, but that will now change,” the source said.

The source added that Kim Jong-un has also set up an “economic reform group” within the ruling Workers’ Party to study agricultural and economic reforms that will borrow extensively from neighboring China’s experience. China is North Korea’s main ally.

However, it is unclear who will head the “political bureau” and the “economic reform group,” the source noted.

The source dismissed speculation about political fallout from Ri’s dismissal, saying, “Kim Jong-un and Jang Song-thaek are in control of the military.”

North Korea has yet to name Ri’s successor as the army chief, the source stated.

The source added that a number of Ri’s associates have also been sacked, but they have not been jailed.

KA/HGL

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