WASHINGTON, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice said there is no indication of a transfer of power in North Korea, where leader Kim Jong Un has not been seen in public for weeks.
Appearing on the NBC television interview program "Meet the Press" Sunday, Rice said the U.S. government has not seen a change in command in North Korea, a country notoriously secretive and opaque in its internal policies.
"Obviously, we're watching very carefully what's happening in North Korea. It's a country that we monitor with great attention. We have not seen any indication of a transfer of power, at this point in North Korea that we view as definitive. But, we'll continue to watch it carefully."
Kim, 31, has been absent from the public since Sept. 3, and he was missing from two important events on the North Korean calendar, the celebration of Foundation Day on Sept. 9 and the anniversary of the Korean Workers' Party on Oct. 10. Observers have suggested his absences are indications of a shakeup at the top of the government.
Others have speculated Kim is ill or injured, with gout, diabetes or a broken bone. In his most recent televised appearances he was seen walking with the aid of a cane.
