N. Korea modifies constitution to further strengthen Kim Jong-un's power
- 5 years ago
North Korea's rubberstamp parliament, the Supreme People's Assembly, held its second meeting of the year on Thursday.
The North announced... that the assembly is changing the constitution to further strengthen Kim Jong-un's legal power.
There was, however, no message on the regime's stalled denuclearization talks with the United States.
Oh Jung-hee reports.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is further cementing his already hefty grip on power.
On Thursday, Pyeongyang's state-run Korean Central Television revealed the results of the North's rubberstamp parliament's meeting held earlier in the day.
It said the Supreme People's Assembly modified parts of constitution to strengthen the authority of Kim Jong-un and the State Affairs Commission the North Korean government's top-decision making body, which is headed by Kim.
Three major changes were made.
First, the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, who is Kim Jong-un, does not double as a member of the parliament.
Second, Kim proclaims the assembly's various legislation and makes the key decisions at the State Affairs Commission.
Lastly, Kim can appoint or dismiss North Korea's diplomatic envoys to other countries.
"Therefore, the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, who represents our country, now has stronger legal status and his leadership is firmly guaranteed."
Kim Jong-un is now considered completely separate from the assembly as the regime's 'leader' only.
Plus, Kim now designates overseas envoys, which in the past was done by the Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly.
This means even greater power in Kim's hands,... adding to his status as the 'ceremonial leader of the state' that was granted at the North's previous parliamentary session in April.
Because the meeting took place amid no signs of working-level negotiations between Pyeongyang and Washington,... there was speculation Kim Jong-un could give a speech to clarify his stance on talks with the U.S., like he did in April.
However, that didn't happen... as Kim didn't appear at Thursday's session.
The regime's five-year economic development plan, which is due in 2020, doesn't seem to have been covered either.
Oh Jung-hee, Arirang News.
The North announced... that the assembly is changing the constitution to further strengthen Kim Jong-un's legal power.
There was, however, no message on the regime's stalled denuclearization talks with the United States.
Oh Jung-hee reports.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is further cementing his already hefty grip on power.
On Thursday, Pyeongyang's state-run Korean Central Television revealed the results of the North's rubberstamp parliament's meeting held earlier in the day.
It said the Supreme People's Assembly modified parts of constitution to strengthen the authority of Kim Jong-un and the State Affairs Commission the North Korean government's top-decision making body, which is headed by Kim.
Three major changes were made.
First, the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, who is Kim Jong-un, does not double as a member of the parliament.
Second, Kim proclaims the assembly's various legislation and makes the key decisions at the State Affairs Commission.
Lastly, Kim can appoint or dismiss North Korea's diplomatic envoys to other countries.
"Therefore, the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, who represents our country, now has stronger legal status and his leadership is firmly guaranteed."
Kim Jong-un is now considered completely separate from the assembly as the regime's 'leader' only.
Plus, Kim now designates overseas envoys, which in the past was done by the Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly.
This means even greater power in Kim's hands,... adding to his status as the 'ceremonial leader of the state' that was granted at the North's previous parliamentary session in April.
Because the meeting took place amid no signs of working-level negotiations between Pyeongyang and Washington,... there was speculation Kim Jong-un could give a speech to clarify his stance on talks with the U.S., like he did in April.
However, that didn't happen... as Kim didn't appear at Thursday's session.
The regime's five-year economic development plan, which is due in 2020, doesn't seem to have been covered either.
Oh Jung-hee, Arirang News.