JI Kim`s visit to Russia likely: diplomatic sources

Rumors are circulating in Moscow diplomatic circles that Kim Jong-Il, chairman of North Korean National Defense Commission, will soon visit Russia in the wake of his secret visit to China last week. A Russian diplomatic authority has denied the rumor but the sources said a visit was likely.

If he goes to Russia, Kim would probably visit its far eastern region. The North Korean leader is apparently seeking ways to introduce a capitalist system in the socialist state, having inspected China's Shanghai special economic zone during his visit to that country.

Kim¡¯s visit to Russia was originally planned to take place sometime after April. Russian President Vladimir Putin went to North Korea last July.

Alexander Yakovenko, a spokesman for the Russian ministry of foreign affairs, said last Friday that both sides were discussing details of Kim¡¯s visit to Russia, saying it would take place at a proper time according to a mutual agreement.