North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has made his first public appearance since he reportedly suffered a stroke in August, state media say.

Mr Kim attended a student football match in the capital, Pyongyang.

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E Timor police move on students ... The 66-year-old leader had not been seen since mid-August. US and South Korean officials said he had suffered a stroke and underwent brain surgery.

Mr Kim did not appear at a 9 September anniversary parade, but North Korean officials denied he was ill.

North Korea's state news agency, KCNA, reported that Mr Kim watched a football game to commemorate the 62nd anniversary of Kim Il-Sung University, named for his father, the founder of North Korea.

Kim Il-Sung University was reported to have beaten Pyongyang University of Railways 4-1.

The report did not say what day the game had taken place but the anniversary of Kim Il-Sung University is 1 October.

No-one has been named to succeed Mr Kim as leader of the nuclear-armed state.

His reported illness has come at a difficult time in international negotiations over North Korea's nuclear programme.

North Korea agreed last year to give up its nuclear programme in return for aid and diplomatic concessions but the deal has foundered in recent months.

(BBC)

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