North Koreans urged to defend Jong-Un 'to the death'

The army, ruling party and people should be prepared to act as "human shields" for the son and successor of Kim Jong-il, the message released by state media said.

It added that the nation must launch an "all-out drive" to achieve prosperity.

Kim Jong-il, who had ruled since 1994, died on 17 December.

His son, Kim Jong-un, took the reins after his death and has in recent days quickly consolidated his power in the country.

On Friday, he was appointed supreme commander of the country's 1.2 million-strong armed forces, according to state media.

"Glorify this year 2012 as a year of proud victory, a year when an era of prosperity is unfolding," the message released by the official Korean Central News Agency said.

"The whole Party, the entire army and all the people should possess a firm conviction that they will become human bulwarks and human shields in defending Kim Jong-un unto death."

The North also said US troops should be removed from South Korea, describing them as the main obstacle to peace.

North Korea has consistently stipulated that the US must abandon its hostile policy for there to be any improvement in ties with Washington.

The first state editorial of the year in Pyongyang is being scrutinized by officials and analysts in the region as it sheds light on the country's New Year's policy goals, says the BBC's Kevin Kim in Seoul.

The coming year is an auspicious one as it marks the centennial of the birth of Kim Jong-un's grandfather and national founder, Kim Il-sung, who ruled for nearly 50 years.

Kim Jong-il died of a heart attack, aged 69, state media reported.

On Wednesday, a huge funeral procession was staged for the late leader in the snowy streets of the capital, Pyongyang.