Gates: U.S. takes son Kim Jong Il will

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, Center, in an undated photo of State-owned media appears in frail health.Ailing Kim Jong Il probably his son as his SuccessorKim name Jong-UN military personnel into a rare party conferenceU.S named. Defense chief problem addressed after a meeting with South Korea's Defense Minister

Washington (CNN)--USA expected that the youngest son of the North Korean leader Kim Jong Il will succeed his ill father, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said Friday.

"This is the assumption that we all work."That [the son] indeed at some point, that the leading role, ", said at a press conference with South Korean Defense Minister Kim Tae-young gates."

Kim Jong-UN, the third son of the North Korean dictator, a four star General was the announcement in the rank just before a rare meeting of the country's ruling party last week promoted. was the first formal mention of his name in the official State Kommunikation.Auch he was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the workers party of Korea's.

"I think we are seeing signs for quite a long time already succeed in this direction in North Korea was", Gates said, citing the new dates awarded at the party meet.

Gates mentioned, however, that he is aware of any formal indication, that makes the son, to be transferred is believed, 27 or 28.

Korean analysts said the appointment of Kim Jong-UN were positions contrary to speak more focused on economic matters as his father, he can prove to the military.

"The fact introduced formally as a general means that one of the other 'military first' rulers like his father", said Brian Myers, author of "the accommodation race" and an expert on North Korean propaganda.

After a suspected stroke in summer 2008, Kim Jong Il appeared in fragile health, fueling it heated sein.seit early 2009 speculation in South Korea and elsewhere about when he will appoint his successor, who will be a series of characters has pointed Kim Jong-UN as that man.Journalist Andrew salmon contributed to this report.

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