Special to WorldTribune.com

By Lee Jong-Heon, East-Asia-Intel.com

North Korea is pouring more than $2.9 billion, roughly half the impoverished country’s annual budget, into celebrations of the 100th birthday of its late but “eternal president,” Kim Il-Sung.

The festivities include an $850-million missile launch, which has heightened tensions on the Peninsula and in Japan.

The destitute nation has invited 110 delegations from 48 countries to Pyongyang where gala functions will be held in on and around April 15.

The North has offered to pay airfare, accommodations and other expenses for those invited, according to a South Korean official.

“As many as 10,000 foreign guests, including dancers and other art performers, are expected to travel to North Korea for the April 15 celebrations,” the official said, noting the estimate was based on information gathered by South Korea’s diplomatic missions overseas.

The foreign guests would join the April Spring Friendship Art Festival to be held in Pyongyang April 11-19.

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