The KCNA released a statement this morning (KST) showing Kim Jong Un’s full support for beleaguered Syrian leader Bashar Al-Assad. At a time when much of the world is debating whether or not to now diplomatically recognize an increasingly large group of rebels opposed to his rule, the timing of the statement would almost be funny if it wasn’t so diplomatically counter-productive.

In the message, Kim Jong Un was reported to say:

“Please accept my warm congratulations to you and the government and people of your friendly country on the 42nd anniversary of the rectification movement in Syria”

While not mentioning the