2 Nov 2008

Photos released of "healthy" North Korean leader

9:53 pm on 2 November 2008

North Korea has released new photos of its leader, Kim Jong-il, in an attempt to dispel persistent rumours that he is seriously unwell.

He is seen through a window, watching a football match.

Mr Kim's health has been the subject of intense speculation since he failed to appear at a key parade in September.

US and South Korean officials say he may have suffered a stroke, but the North says this is a lie.

This is the second set of photos in the past month, purporting to show Mr Kim well - but there was no mention of when the photos were taken.

The 14 pictures show Mr Kim wearing sunglasses and sitting at a game between two army teams.

However, the players and other spectators are not seen in any of the photos.