RUSSIAN LEFTISTS WELCOME KIM JONG IL’S ELEVATION.

Russia’s Communist Party, together with other left-wing political groups, have hailed the naming of Kim Jong Il as head of North Korea’s ruling Korean Workers Party. The move, which had long been expected, formalizes Kim’s de facto status as North Korea’s leader, although he has not yet assumed the title of state president. Ultra-nationalist Russian leader Vladimir Zhirinovsky also welcomed Kim’s elevation, but Russian diplomats indicated that Moscow would not respond to the event insofar as it is a party matter and not a subject for communication between governments. (Russian agencies, October 8-9)

Rada