North Korean leader dead

International reaction to the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has been varied, with some countries cautiously optimistic that some degree of political change is in the air, while others remain skeptical. A few leaders have offered condolences.

The news came in a "special broadcast" by Pyongyang early on Monday. A weeping announcer said the veteran leader had died on Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. local time.

The official state news agency KCNA reported that he had died of a heart attack brought on by "great mental and physical strain" during a train tour.

Youngest son named successor

A few hours after the announcement of Kim Jong Il's death, KCNA declared his youngest son, Kim Jong Un, as the "great successor to the revolutionary cause of Juche and outstanding leader of our party, army and people."

Juche is Pyongyang's political ideology of self-reliance.

Kim Jong Un had been seen as the leader-in-waiting after being appointed to senior military and political posts in 2010.

Mixed reactions

Reactions to Kim's death have been varied, with China, Russia, Japan and Venezuela sending condolences, while most western nations focused on the potential for reform.

"This is an important change of leadership for North Korea, and it's important for the stability of the entire region," German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said, adding that it presents an opportunity for political change.

His French counterpart, Alain Juppe, said France was watching the situation closely, "hoping that one day the people of North Korea would find freedom."

EU President Herman Van Rompuy said that "the EU is monitoring the situation closely, and we count on the future Korean leadership to ... commit to peace and stability on the Korean peninsula."

Britain's Foreign Minister William Hague expressed hope that Kim's death may prove a "turning point" and that North Korea would "take the steps necessary to allow the resumption of the Six Party Talks on denuclearization of the Korean peninsula."

Russia sent its condolences but also called on Pyongyang to issue "a moratorium for all nuclear activities, including its uranium enrichment program."

US White House Press Secretary Jay Carney issued a statement saying "we remain committed to stability on the Korean peninsula and to the freedom and security of our allies."

South Korea on heightened alert

South Korea's military was placed on high alert Monday, but said it had detected no signs of unusual movement by the North's military following news of the death.

However, North Korea tested a short-range missile just a few hours after the announcement.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak discussed the situation in a telephone conversation with his US counterpart, Barack Obama.

"The two leaders agreed to stay in close touch as the situation develops and agreed they would direct their national security teams to continue close coordination," according to a White House statement.

Period of national mourning declared

Kim Jong Il is believed to have suffered a stroke in 2008. However, he had appeared relatively healthy in recent photos and video from recent trips to China and Russia.

The man known as the "Dear Leader" in North Korea is thought to have had a taste for cigars, cognac and gourmet cuisine. Some reports claim he had diabetes and heart disease.

He came to power following the sudden death of his father, the "Great Leader," Kim Il Sung in 1994.

A period of national mourning had been declared to run until December 29. Kim Jong Un is to head the committee to organize his father's funeral, which is to be held on December 28.

Author: Nicole Goebel, Richard Connor, Chuck Penfold (AP, AFP, dpa)
Editor: Michael Lawton