Kim names son as successor, sayreports

Agence France-Presse

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The hard-line state has defied global condemnation of its second nuclear test last week by firing a series of short-range missiles, and analysts believe Kim may be trying to bolster his authority ahead of a succession. The North is reported to be preparing to test-fire a long-range missile capable in theory of reaching Alaska from a new northwest base, as well as several medium-range missiles from along its southeast coast.

A South Korean lawmaker briefed by intelligence officials said that Seoul's intelligence services have received word that Kim has nominated his third son, 26-year-old Jong-Un, to succeed him.

Little is known about Jong-Un, but the basketball fan, who was educated at an international school in Switzerland, has been described as a "chip off the old block" by his father's former Japanese sushi chef.

Reports of Jong-Un's nomination come with South Korean and American forces on heightened their alert after North Korea threatened a fierce attack when Seoul joined a US-led initiative to stop the spread of weapons of mass destruction.

South Korea's navy stepped up its defenses near the tense sea border with the North yesterday, sending in a high-speed patrol boat armed with guided missiles and vowing to "punish" any attacking forces.