PYONGYANG, North Korea, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Il is thanking the people of his country for nominating him as a candidate for re-election next month.
State media in North Korea published a statement from Kim Wednesday that appeared to be aimed at emphasizing his fitness and eagerness to continue ruling, The Times of London reports.
The head of the world's most repressive dictatorship was not seen in public for three months in the wake of rumors he suffered a stroke last year.
"Voters' meetings held in all constituencies of the country to nominate candidates for deputies to the 12th Supreme People's Assembly ... nominated me," Kim said. "I extend my ... thanks to the entire electorate of the country for expressing their deep trust in me."
Elections for the 687 members of the Supreme People's Assembly were scheduled for 2008 but postponed until March 8.
