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North Korean Leader Makes First Public Speech


Kim Jong-un (right) stands with military officers during the unveiling ceremony of bronze statues of his father and grandfather on April 13 in Pyongyang.
Kim Jong-un (right) stands with military officers during the unveiling ceremony of bronze statues of his father and grandfather on April 13 in Pyongyang.
North Korea's new leader Kim Jong-un has delivered what North Korean state TV said was his first-ever public speech.

He addressed a large crowd that had gathered for celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il-sung, the founder of the North Korean state and Kim Jong-un's grandfather.

The new North Korean leader offered "the purest respect and the greatest honor to great comrades Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il," his father.

Kim Jong-Un also praised his grandfather and father as the "founder and builder of our revolutionary armed forces."

Kim Jong-un's speech lasted some 20 minutes and came after a massive military parade that ended in Kim Il-sung Square.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AFP, and AP

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