The Washington Post reports that the process of leadership succession in North Korea appears to be on hold.

The report said talks of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il's third son Jong-un's rise to power have ceased since the reclusive state's leader showed signs of improved health.

Citing South Korean human rights’ organizations, the daily said Pyongyang issued an order in July not to discuss the succession issue, and the campaign was suspended.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Kyodo News said the North’s number two leader, Kim Yong-nam, denied even having discussed the successor issue.