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North Korea claims 'natural wonder' in Berlin

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North Korea claims 'natural wonder' in Berlin
Kim Jong-Il's body lies in state. Photo: DPA

The official North Korean news agency says a little bird and a flowering plant at the country’s embassy in Berlin were signs of Mother Nature’s grief for the late North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il – rather than the mild winter.

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The “natural wonder” occurred on December 20, the day after news of Kim's death was announced, the agency announced on Thursday.

It said a titmouse, a small songbird, stayed by the embassy entrance for an hour, pecking at the glass, while a floral plant was in full bloom throughout the mourning period despite chilly winter weather.

"It seemed that upon hearing the sad news of the demise of the outstanding great man the bird flew to the mourning station to express condolences and flew away after standing vigil," the agency reported.

The plant, meanwhile, "came into bloom in such cold winter day in token of mourning his demise".

The communist state's official media has reported several supernatural incidents of mourning inside North Korea since the leader died on December 17, prompting extraordinary displays of public grief.

A dove-like bird was said to have brushed the snow off a statue of Kim while owls and a Manchurian crane were also said to have exhibited grieving behaviour.

Ice reportedly cracked thunderously around Kim's claimed birthplace at Mount Paekdu while a glow was seen atop the mountain's Jong-Il Peak.

Propaganda organs have built a vast personality cult around the Kim dynasty, which has ruled the country since its creation in 1948. They are sometimes credited with near-supernatural powers.

Kim's youngest son Jong-Un has taken over the leadership, the second dynastic succession after Kim Jong-Il succeeded his late father Kim Il-Sung.

AFP/hc

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