N. Korean leader's health problem a threat to Japan's security: Aso

SAGA, Japan, Sept. 21 Kyodo -
Taro Aso, the front-runner to become Japan's next prime minister, said Saturday
that the rumored deterioration in North Korean leader Kim Jong Il's health, if
confirmed true, may pose a threat to Japan's security.
''It's very dangerous to see the leader of an ambiguous country being
unsteady,'' Aso said at a campaign speech in Saga Prefecture.
A former Central Intelligence Agency national intelligence officer for East
Asia said earlier this week that the North Korean leader temporarily went into
a coma after collapsing from a stroke last month, adding fuel to recent
speculation that Kim is suffering from serious medical problems.
Aso, a former foreign minister known for his hawkish views, also suggested he
may review Japan's diplomatic and security position on North Korea if he wins
the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election on Monday to
succeed Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda.
''We must be prepared to address'' a contingency that may occur following the
possible collapse of Kim's leadership, he said.
Speculation about Kim's health was triggered by his failure to appear at recent
events held to mark the 60th anniversary of his nation's founding, including a
massive military parade held on Sept. 9 -- his first absence from the parade
since becoming head of the North Korean military in 1991.
Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who is also running in the presidential
election, also lashed out at North Korea for possessing about 350 missiles
targeting Japan.
''Even if a revolt erupts in North Korea and civilians need to escape, our
Self-Defense Forces would not be able to help them,'' Ishiba said, also calling
for revisions to Japan's legal restrictions on the SDF's activities.