North Korea's new leader gets new titles

PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) — North Korea's new leader has been named to fill two key party posts previously held by his late father.

State media says Kim Jong Un is now chairman of the ruling party's Central Military Commission and a standing member of the Political Bureau.

North Korea is also preparing to launch a rocket that Washington says is cover for a test of missile technology.

Kim was also named to the new post of first secretary of the ruling party at a special conference. His father, longtime leader Kim Jong Il, was given the posthumous title of "eternal general secretary."

This week's events are leading up to celebrations Sunday marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kim Jong Un's grandfather, late President Kim Il Sung.