INTERNATIONAL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has promulgated on Tuesday that the country's military education system must redouble efforts to turn out officers who "remain absolutely loyal" to the country's ruling party. Kim made the remarks at the Eighth Conference of Military Educationists of the Korean People's Army held in Pyongyang.

It was the latest in a series of events and public relations campaigns focused on boosting political loyalty as Kim prepares to mark 10 years in power this month.

In November, North Korea held a conference where Kim has announced plans to expand a loyalty reward system, and state media has broadcast a series of stories on wayward youth who found redemption through hard physical labour for the party.