Fears death could stall nuclear disarmament talks

THE death of Kim Jong Il could halt talks aimed at getting the country to give up its nuclear weapons.

Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader’s untested third son and successor — believed to be in his 20s — is unlikely to risk any step that could be construed as weakness as he seeks to consolidate control.

There are even fears he could seek to demonstrate his leadership credentials through martial and provocative actions, such as a military attack on South Korea or a nuclear test.