North Korean No. 2 says no problem with Kim: Kyodo

TOKYO (Reuters) - North Korea's No. 2 leader, Kim Yong-nam, said on Wednesday there was "no problem" with leader Kim Jong-il's failure to appear at anniversary celebrations the previous day, Kyodo news agency said.

Kim Jong-il's unusual absence from the ceremonies has been followed by reports that he may be suffering from ill health, which were denied by a senior North Korean diplomat, Kyodo said.

(Reporting by Isabel Reynolds)