`Top NK general ousted for debating economic reform`

Ri Yong Ho, formerly the chief of general staff of the North Korean People`s Army, was purged while holding a heated debate over economic reform with Jang Sung Taek, vice chairman of the National Defense Commission, a group of North Korean defectors in South Korea claimed Monday.

North Korean Intellectuals Solidarity said in a report that it filed by citing sources in North Korea that the ruling Workers` Party in Pyongyang held an economic affairs meeting of its Politburo on July 15 and a debate on a "New Economic Reconstruction Policy.” They focused discussions on the transfer of economic projects from the party and military to the Cabinet, and reduce the number of workers at collective farms among other issues. Jang is not a member of the committee, but is in charge of explaining and debriefing policy.

Among the committee members, President of the Presidium of the Supreme People`s Assembly Kim Yong Nam, Cabinet minister Choe Yong Rim and Vice Marshal Choe Ryong Hae strongly supported the policy.

Ri, however, said, “The policy is an ill-advised idea that denies the socialist principles that our previous supreme leaders followed and seeks to introduce capitalism instead. It is a plot aimed at funneling funds for modernization of the military for revolution to other uses.”

Jang said, “The policy is meant to give the people an environment where they can stand on their own feet. It is a policy that has been formulated under the direct guidance of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and are you challenging his leadership?.”

Kim Jong Un then stood up and stripped Ri of his title and rank on the spot and had him arrested, saying, “I cannot work for revolution with someone who doesn`t follow me.”

The defectors` organization said, “Ri Yong Ho is reportedly detained at the Yodok Political Prison Camp.”

will71@donga.com