A French brain surgeon who reportedly treated North Korean leader Kim Jong-il says he expects the reclusive leader’s health will improve.

French daily Le Figaro said Friday that Doctor Francois-Xavier Roux issued the positive projection by saying that though Kim is suffering from cerebrovascular disease, he did not have to undergo surgery.

The daily also quoted Roux as saying that recent pictures of the reclusive leader making public appearances seem to be real and that he believes Kim is apparently still in power in the communist state.