Death of Kim Jong Il
Monday, 19 December 2011
The death of Kim Jong Il provides North Korea with a rare opportunity to show greater compassion to its citizens, embrace a more open system of government and abandon its nuclear weapons development.Few people will genuinely regret the passing of one of the world's most notorious dictators, who used the threat of nuclear weapons to remain in power and to terrorise his neighbours.
Under the rule of Kim Jong Il, millions of long-suffering North Koreans are reported to have died in famines and concentration camps, while he enjoyed a life of luxury and privilege.
The regime developed and repeatedly tested nuclear weapons and long-range missiles capable of carrying such weapons.
It was also accused of proliferating nuclear technology to other regimes including Iran.
After years of rumoured ill health, the announcement of Kim Jong Il's death has not come as a shock.
While there will be an inevitable period of instability within North Korea as it makes the transition to its next leader, reportedly Kim Jong Un, this presents as an historic opportunity for the new regime to embrace greater freedom for its people.
It is hoped that North Korea can be persuaded to be a more responsible global citizen.
