Kim Jong-il hints youngest son to be his successor

London, Aug 31 (ANI): North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has hinted for the first time in his speech that he is preparing to hand over power to his youngest Swiss-educated son, and hoped that China approves the appointment.

"North Korea is finding itself in a difficult political situation, and it is an important historical mission to hand the baton over to the rising generation," The Telegraph quoted Kim, as saying.

Twenty-seven-year-old Kim Jong-un's was widely rumoured to have accompanied his father on the trip, however his name was reportedly not on the official list of entourage for the meeting with the Chinese President Hu Jintao on Friday in Changchun.

Kim Jong-il, who also voiced his willingness for North Korea to return to de-nuclearisation, needs China's backing for any transition of power, the paper reports.

"Kim would have reassured China that he is committed to de-nuclearisation in exchange for a clear backing by his ally [Hu Jintao] for his successor," said Yang Moo Jin, a professor at the University of North Korean studies in Seoul.

Analysts are now looking forward to a meeting of the ruling Workers' Party next month for confirmation of Kim Jong-un's ascent. (ANI)