SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has made his first public appearance since his country test-launched a barrage of missiles more than a month ago, official media reported Sunday. Kim visited a farm run by an army unit and was accompanied by top generals, according to KCNA. As usual with such reports, the exact time or location of the trip were not given.Kim's last reported public appearance was July 4, a day before Pyongyang launched seven missiles, including a new long-range model believed capable of reaching the U.S. that failed shortly after takeoff. Kim's absence from public view had fueled speculation of a possible crisis in the country in the wake of the missile tests and international reaction.
However, Kim has dropped from sight before for longer periods of time: In 2003, he was not reported to have ventured out for seven weeks after the country quit the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and the United States moved toward invading Iraq.
In the latest visit, Kim toured a rabbit and goat farm producing food for the military - the focus of his ``songun'' policy that gives soldiers first priority for the country's scarce resources. ``As our country has many mountains, it is possible to raise goats and rabbits and other grass-eating animals in every part of it,'' Kim said, according to KCNA.
| Provided your citizens don't get to the grass first. |