Last weekend, North Korea marked 100 years since the birth of its "Eternal President", Kim Il-Sung. Yet Pyongyang wasn't the only place celebrating the anniversary. In Japan, North Korean expatriates also paid tribute to the Communist country's founder. Our reporters in Tokyo met with those who have left their homeland and yet remain faithful to the Kim dynasty's regime.
North Korea said on Thursday it will keep the preserved body of former leader Kim Jong-Il on permanent display in the Kumsusan Memorial Palace in the capital Pyongyang – the same building that holds the embalmed remains of his father, Kim Il-Sung.
North Korea warned the world Friday that newly anointed leader Kim Jong-un would continue the tough stance against the South. The statement also said, “the world… including the puppet group in South Korea, should not expect any change from us”.
Doubts are being raised about the credibility of the Arab League mission in Syria. We look at coverage of papers in the US, Lebanon and Syria itself. Also, is Iraq on the brink of civil war? And will the New Year - the Chinese one - be auspicious for all? That's the focus for this look at the world's press, Thursday 29th December, 2011.
Kim Jong-un, the youngest child of deceased North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il, was anointed "supreme leader" with great pomp and circumstance at the father's funeral Wednesday.
Analysis on North Korea varies from optimism the country could change radically to fears the country could come under Chinese influence which, if lasting, might spark a Cold War between China and the US. Also in this international press review: is Putin's house about to fall down, and is Syria at a turning point? That's the focus for today, Wednesday 28th December, 2011.
Tens of thousands of North Koreans lined the streets of Pyongyang on Wednesday for the start of two days of funeral services for their late "dear leader" Kim Jong-il, whose coffin was escorted by his son and designated successor, Kim Jong-un.
North Korea has been preparing the massive funeral for late dictator Kim Jong-il, to be buried on Wednesday. North Korea's official news agency said the day would begin with a gunfire salute and three minutes of silence.
South Korea's former first lady Lee Hee-ho arrived in the North on Monday to pay respects to the deceased leader Kim Jong-il. Her husband, late former president Kim Dae-Jung, initiated the now-defunct "Sunshine" detente policy with the North.
