N Korean leader Kim Jong-il dies
Baku, December 19 (AZERTAC). North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has died at the age of 69, state-run television has announced.
Mr Kim, who has led the communist nation since the death of his father in 1994, died on a train while visiting an area outside the capital, the announcement said.
He suffered a stroke in 2008 and was absent from public view for months.
His designated successor is his third son, Kim Jong-un, who is thought to be in his late 20s.
North Korea`s state-run news agency, KCNA, urged people to unite behind the younger Kim.
"All party members, military men and the public should faithfully follow the leadership of comrade Kim Jong-un and protect and further strengthen the unified front of the party, military and the public," the news agency said.
State media also referred to him as the "great successor to the revolutionary cause" in what appeared to be the first such reference.
A funeral for Kim Jong-il will be held in Pyongyang on 28 December and Kim Jong-un will head the funeral committee, KCNA reports. A period of national mourning has been declared from 17 to 29 December.
The announcer, wearing black, said he had died of physical and mental over-work. A later report from KCNA said Mr Kim had had a heart attack.
China - North Korea`s closest ally and biggest trading partner - said it was "distressed" to hear the news of his death.
South Korea`s military has been put on alert following the announcement and its National Security Council is convening for an emergency meeting, Yonhap news agency reports. The Japanese government has also convened a special security meeting.
The White House said it was "closely monitoring" reports of the death. The US remained "committed to stability on the Korean peninsula, and to the freedom and security of our allies", it said in a statement.
South Korea`s President Lee Myung-Bak spoke to US President Barack Obama by telephone.
"The two leaders agreed to closely co-operate and monitor the situation together," a South Korean presidential spokesman said.
Mr Kim unveiled his son as his likely successor a year ago. Many had expected to see this process further consolidated in 2012.
As for Mr Kim`s son and successor, very little is known about him - including his exact age. He was educated in Switzerland and is the son of Mr Kim`s reportedly favourite wife, the late Ko Yong-hui.
He has an older brother, Kim Jong-chol, and a older half-brother, Kim Jong-nam - both of whom appear to have been passed over for the succession.
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