North's leader sits in cockpit of Russian jet; summit unsure

On the second day of his visit to Russia, North Korean leader Kim Jong-il toured defense factories in Komsomolsk-on-Amur on Wednesday.

During a tour of a fighter jet factory, Mr. Kim sat in the pilot seat of a Sukhoi-27, showing a great interest in the advanced defense equipment. He paid special attention to the Su-30MKK, SU-30 and Su-27 -- all considered the most up-to-date air force jets built in Russia. Mr. Kim was reportedly briefed about the development plan of the Su-30, which will enter service in 2003.

Mr. Kim then toured the Amurski shipbuilding plant and inspected a submarine under construction. His armored train then moved on to Khabarovsk.

The Russian RTR television network reported Wednesday that Mr. Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin may discuss a plan to build a light water reactor in Russia's Far East to supply electricity to power-short North Korea. Itar-Tass News Agency said the North has shown interest in the plan and Russia recently reviewed it in a meeting led by its president. The two leaders are expected to meet in Vladivostok Friday.

The summit is not assured, however. "It is possible that Mr. Putin may not come to Vladivostok because a Russian helicopter was brought down by Chechen rebels," said the public affairs office of the Primorskii province governor Wednesday. "The preparation for the summit is complete, however, and if Mr. Putin cannot make it, another top official will meet Mr. Kim."

In Khasan on Tuesday, the North Korean leader voiced concern over possible inconvenience to ordinary Russians due to his train trip. "I hope Russian people are not experiencing any nuisance because of my passage," he was quoted as saying. Unusually tight security surrounding his train during his Russian visit last year caused massive traffic jams and train delays. The outraged public filed suit against the Russian Railroad Ministry. Traffic control for this week's trip, however, was not eased.

by Ahn Sung-kyoo