SEOUL - NORTH Korea on Monday released more pictures of leader Kim Jong Il, including one showing him clapping in an apparent attempt to dispel rumours that a stroke left him partially paralysed.

State television said the 16 still pictures were of Mr Kim inspecting Air Force Unit 1016 at an unspecified date. One showed the 66-year-old in a thick winter coat, clapping his gloved hands at head height.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) late Sunday carried an account of the visit, the sixth public appearance to be reported in November.

There have been widespread reports that Mr Kim, 66, suffered a stroke around mid-August, although South Korean officials have said he was recovering well.

Some unconfirmed reports said he may have suffered partial paralysis.

Pictures released last month did not show Mr Kim fully raising his left arm.

KCNA said Mr Kim was greeted by air force chief Ri Pyong-Chol and other senior officers.

He set out tasks to boost the unit's combat capability and expressed satisfaction at its readiness 'to cope with the enemies' moves for aggression,' it said.

'He took warm care of the servicepersons'... with fatherly love, going round a bedroom, mess hall, kitchen and supply service facilities,' the agency added.

Mr Kim's health is the subject of intense speculation because he has not publicly nominated a successor to run the impoverished but nuclear-armed nation.

State media in recent weeks have issued a series of still pictures in an apparent attempt to end the health speculation. But they have all been undated.

One photo issued early last month had been digitally altered to superimpose Kim's image onto a military group, experts said.

Dennis Wilder, the top Asia specialist on the US National Security Council, said last month that Mr Kim likely had suffered 'some sort of health crisis'.

He said he could not speculate on the degree of his recovery. -- AFP