PYONGYANG, North Korea, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso says reclusive Kim Jong Il is probably hospitalized but still capable of running North Korea.
Aso said during a parliamentary session that intelligence reports indicated Kim "has been hospitalized," The New York Times reported Wednesday.
"However, it's not believed that he is completely incapable of making decisions," Aso said.
Were Kim, 66, not competent to participate in decision-making, Japanese and other intelligence officials believe, "we would be seeing different developments" in North Korea, Aso said Tuesday.
Kim's health has been fodder for speculation after he failed to attend the 60th anniversary of the founding of North Korea in September. Several reports indicated he suffered a stroke.
Also Tuesday, the intelligence chief for South Korea's government said Kim seemed to be recovering sufficiently to begin performing his daily duties.
