North Korea parades for 65th anniversary

RED flags fluttered across the capital of North Korea yesterday as the country prepared for its biggest parade ever - an event expected to serve as the public debut of future leader Kim Jong-un and for the world as a rare glimpse inside one of its most insular nations.

Officially the parade, which will take place today, marks the 65th anniversary of the communist nation's ruling Workers' Party.

However, this year's celebration comes less than two weeks after Kim Jong-il's re-election to the party's top post and the news that his son, said to be in his 20s, would succeed his father and grandfather as leader.

Even in a country known for its elaborately staged displays of military might, the scale and pomp of the festivities suggest something special.

"This is a very important event because it's being held after Kim Jong-un's debut as heir-apparent," said Yoo Ho-yeol, a professor of North Korean studies at Korea University in Seoul.

The weekend of festivities began on Friday night with fireworks that lit up the sky over central Pyongyang. Students danced across the city's plazas and brass bands played.

Festivities culminate today with the staging of a massive parade through the streets. The extravaganza will feature a phalanx of tanks, more than 16,000 troops and a display of the regime's prized missiles and military weaponry.

There was no confirmation yesterday that Kim Jong-un would join his father in presiding over the parade from a viewing platform. But the campaign to introduce him to the North Korean people - and the world - has been gaining momentum since his name first appeared last month in a dispatch announcing his promotion to four-star general. If he does appear, it will be by far his most public appearance yet.