SEOUL - RECLUSIVE North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has been out in public for six consecutive days, state media reported on Sunday, in an apparent attempt to silence speculation about his health.

The North's official Korean Central News Agency reported on Sunday Mr Kim had toured a ceramic factory at Huichon in the northern province of Jagang.

Wearing a beige winter jacket, gloves, a fur hat and his trademark sunglasses, Mr Kim was shown in photographs giving instructions to his deputies.

Mr Kim's visit to the pottery-making plant was the latest in a series of official reports of public appearances over the past six days.

His visits were to an e-business institute, a local library, a medicine factory, a machine plant, an army unit and a musical - all in Jagang.

The dates of Mr Kim's visits were not given.

Mr Kim, 66, suffered a stroke around mid-August, South Korean and US officials say, but he is recovering and still in control of his nuclear-armed nation.

Since reports of Mr Kim's illness began circulating in September, official media have reported numerous trips by the leader and released dozens of undated photos of him, which analysts here say aim to downplay speculation.

Mr Kim's health is the subject of intense interest since he has not publicly nominated a successor and has a history of diabetes and heart disease.

On Thursday, Admiral Timothy Keating, the commander of the US Pacific Command, said Mr Kim was still in charge of the country. -- AFP