Russian guest here

Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- Konstantin Nikolayev, first Vice-Chairman of the Council of the Union of Communist Parties-the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, arrived here Sunday to celebrate the 56th birthday of General Secretary Kim Jong Il.

Congratulatory message to G.S. Kim Jong Il from NDFSK CC

Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) - General Secretary Kim Jong Il received a congratulatory message from the Central Committee of the National Democratic Front of South Korea (NDFSK) on the occasion of his 56th birthday. The message, dated Feb. 16, says the 16th of February when General Kim Jong Il was born is a day of great fortune when the Korean nation and humankind acclaimed another great leader, and a great event which definitely guaranteed the prosperity and development of Kim Il Sung's Korea and a bright future of the Juche era. The message continues: "Since you began leading the Juche revolution many years ago, true to the cause of the sun, you have performed legendary military exploits and immortal feats. "You are indeed a legendary hero without equal in all ages and countries, a peerless great man and the bright sun of the era of independence, who moves the world with his brilliant farsightedness, outstanding leadership and traits fascinating all the people. "With the firm belief that as led by you, respected General Kim Jong Il, it will surely win a great victory, the NDFSK will consolidate its organisations into ranks of those with strong will and phoenixes who absolutely trust in and follow you. "The NDFSK will reject the domination and intervention of outsiders and wage a dynamic struggle for national independence and reunification in alliance with communism, true to your great idea of independence and original great program for the reunification of the country."

Korean cadres meet foreign delegations

Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- Ri Jong Ok, politburo member of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee and Vice-President of the DPRK, on Feb. 15 met and had friendly talks with the visiting delegations of the New Democratic Party of Yugoslavia headed by its General Secretary Tahir Hasanovic and the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party led by its Secretary O. Enkhtuvshin at the Mansudae Assembly Hall. Tahir Hasanovic said that his party is supporting the just cause of the Korean people in the struggle for the peaceful reunification of the country and he would strenuously endeavor to strengthen friendship and solidarity between the two parties. That day Yang Hyong Sop, Chairman of the Supreme People's Assmebly and Chairman of the Korean Social Scientists Society, met with the visiting congratulatory delegation of The Japan Society for the Study of the Juche Idea led by Secretary General of the International Institute of the Juche Idea Kenichi Ogami at the Mansudae Assembly Hall. The head of the delegation wished General Secretary Kim Jong Il good health and a long life for the triumph of socialist cause in korea and for global independence. The Juche idea is the most progressive idea of humankind, he said, and added that he would invigorate worldwide activities for study and dissemination of the idea.

Congratulatory message to G.S. Kim Jong Il from Chongryon CC

Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) - General Secretary Kim Jong Il received a congratulatory message from the Central Standing Committee of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) on Feb. 16, his 56th birthday. General Kim Jong Il, who grew up in the flames of the rigorous anti-Japanese war as the son of guerrillas on Mt. Paektu, the holy mountain of revolution, has led to victory and glory the struggle to carry forward the revolutionary cause of Juche, performing undying feats for the country and the nation, for the era and humankind, Since he embarked upon the road of revolution in his early years, the message says, and goes on: "You are the sun of guidance of the Juche cause and the movement of Koreans in Japan and an affectionate father who looks after overseas Koreans, too. "As led by you, our organisation and Koreans in Japan have won and will emerge ever victorious together with the people in homeland." The message expressed the determination of Chongryon to further strengthen itself into a patriotic organisation remaining loyal to General Kim Jong Il and greet the 18th Congress of Chongryon with high patriotic enthusiasm and brilliant achievements. True to the noble intention of General Kim Jong Il to open a decisive phase of national reunification this year, Chongryon will more powerfully struggle for the reunification of the country, widely introduce his greatness among the Japanese and other progressive peoples of the world and actively contribute to improving the DPRK-Japan relations, the message says.

Art performances given to celebrate G.S. Kim Jong Il's birthday

Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- Art performances were given at theatres here on Feb. 15 in celebration of the 56th birthday of General Secretary Kim Jong Il. A performace "The Sun of February Shines" was given by the Mansudae Art Troupe at the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre and performances by the national art troupe at the Pyongyang Theatre, by the Pyongyang Circus at the Pyongyang Acrobatic Theatre, by the art groups of the national institutions at the People's Palace of Culture, by workers' art groups from throughout the country at the Central Workers' Hall and by schoolchildren at the Mangyongdae Schoolchildren's Palace and the Pyongyang Schoolchildren's Palace. They were enjoyed by Ri Jong Ok, Pak Song Chol, Kim Pyong Sik, Kim Yong Nam, Kye Ung Thae and other senior party, state and army officials as well as working people in the city. Invited to see the performances were visiting foreign delegations and guests, diplomatic envoys and embassy officials here.

Let us step up forced march for final victory under great party's leadership

Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- Papers today in editorials lay stress on stepping up the forced march for the final victory under the leadership of General Secretary Kim Jong Il. Rodong Sinmun says in an editorial: The recent on-the-spot guidance of General Secretary Kim Jong Il to Jagang Province is a historical one which opened a turning phase of the Korean revolution. Giving on-the-spot guidance to the province, he verified the justness of the line of independence, the line of self-reliance of the Workers' Party of Korea, and indicated a clear way of victoriously concluding the present forced march. The present forced march of socialism is a drive to decisively beef up our independent economy with the heavy industry as its core in the spirit of bold attack. His on-site guidance to the province marks a turning point in leading socialist construction as a whole to a new peak and a new starting point to boost economic sectors. The present forced march is a worthwhile struggle to carry into practice his idea and politics and it is a historical advance by his absolute authority. His plan to win the final victory is farsighted and his strategy and line are correct. When we fight as intended by him, we will emerge ever victorious. The revolutionary spirit of Kanggye created by the workers and people in Jagang Province is the spirit of the present forced march. It is the spirit of carrying through his plan and intention through thick and thin and the spirit of self-reliance and hard struggle that helps create thing out of nothing. The Kangson spirit was the motive force of the great Chollima Upsurge during the postwar period of hard ordeals, whereas the revolutionary spirit of Kanggye at present is becoming the militant banner of the forced march of socialism. General Secretary Kim Jong Il's way of revolution is the ever-victorious revolutionary one that sets in motion the might of singlehearted unity, political and ideological might and solves all the problems by relying on the advantages of our system and our own economic foundations. There is no better way than this for us. The final victory is in store for us. Minju Joson in an editorial says that all the officials and other working people, remaining loyal to the leadership of General Kim Jong Il, should advance and advance, struggle and advance, full of conviction and optimism, to demonstrate the honor of victors in socialist construction.

G.S. Kim Jong Il replies to O Ik Je

Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) - General Secretary Kim Jong Il on Feb. 11 sent his autographs to O Ik Je, Vice-Chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland and Advisor of the Central Guidance Committee of the Korean Chondoist Association, who sent a congratulatory letter to him on the occasion of his 56th birthday. The autographs are: "Thank you. Feb. 11, 1998 Kim Jong Il" O Ik Je in his letter said that with the soul of the nation General Kim Jong Il enhanced the dignity of the independent state and wisdom of the Korean nation as high as Mt. Paektu, as wished by President Kim Il Sung. He wrote: "Though only six months have passed since I settled in the north, now I can tell the rightness from the wrongness in the history of nation. Here, only in the north, are the holy land of the Tangun nation and the orthodoxy of the nation. The dignity and honor of the nation are ever growing under your leadership. "I am sure that the future of the nation will come from your great politics and the history of the nation will also be advanced by your politics. "I firmly believe justice and truth belong to you and that a key to solving the national issue remains in your hands in any adversity."

Evening gala for Supreme Commander's birthday

Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- An evening gala of the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces was held on Sunday to celebrate the 56th birthday of General Secretary Kim Jong Il, Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army. Present there were Director of the General Political Department of KPA Jo Myong Rok, Chief of the KPA General Staff Kim Yong Chun and first Vice-Minister of the People's Armed Forces Kim Il Chol. The participants danced to the tune of "Glory to the Dear Leader", "We Sing of February Holiday" and "Song of Best Wish", extending highest glory and warmest congratulations to General Kim Jong Il. Among them were senior officials of the Ministry, generals and officers as well as soldiers.

Celebration of G.S. Kim Jong Il's birthday

Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- Youths and students in Pyongyang met at Kim Il Sung Stadium on Feb. 15 to celebrate the 56th birthday of General Secretary Kim Jong Il. Pak Song Chol, politburo member of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee and Vice-President of the DPRK, and other senior party and state officials were on hand. A reporter and speakers at the celebration meeting said that General Secretary Kim Jong Il's birth on Mt. Paektu, the revolutionary sacred mountain, was a great national event which opened a bright future of the Juche revolutionary cause and prophesied a brilliant prospect of the homeland. General Kim Jong Il has wisely guided the work of the youth league in every period and every stage of the developing revolution to put the movement of the Korean youths on a higher stage, they said. They called upon the youth league organizations, their officials and members to discharge the honorable mission of the youth vanguard of the Workers' Party of Korea, reserve unit and detached force of Supreme Commander Kim Jong Il in the forced march of socialism for the final victory with perseverance, uplifting the red flag of the revolution under his leadership.

Gift to G.S. Kim Jong Il from Eyptian party leader

Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- A gift was sent to General Kim Jong Il by General Secretary of the Egyptian National Democratic Party Dr. Youssef Amin Vali, who is also deputy Prime Minister, on the occasion of his birthday, Feb. 16. The General Secretary asked the DPRK Ambassador to Egypt on Jan. 22 to convey the gift to General Kim Jong Il. He said that he deemed it honor to send a gift to General Kim Jong Il, supreme leader of the DPRK and the General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, on the occasion of his 56th birthday, wishing him a long life in good health. He also wished happiness to General Kim Jong Il.

CPRF denounces U.S. reinforced armed forces

Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- The Secretariat of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland issued information bulletin no. 757 on Feb. 15 denouncing the United States for 18 F-15 fighter planes and two AC-130 helicopter gunboats it brought into South Korea recently. This is an ill-boding movement= it shows that the United States is trying harder to ignite a war against the DPRK, the information says, and goes on: We cannot but take a serious view of the fact that the U.S. is escalating anti-DPRK manoeuvres, at a time when it is openly threatening invasion of those countries that go against with it, while amassing huge armed forces in the Persian Gulf. If the United States wants to get something from the reckless "strategy of carrying out two wars simultaneously," it is mistaken. If it resorts to a military adventure against the DPRK, the Korean army and people, rallied around General Secretary Kim Jong Il in one mind, will mercilessly punish the aggressors with matchless might they have cultivated.

Preparatory committee formed in Russia to celebrate birthday of G.S. Kim Jong Il

Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- A preparatory committee of Russian public circles was formed in Moscow to celebrate the 56th birthday of General Secretary Kim Jong Il on Jan. 22. Vladimir Tolstikov, chairman of the Russian Association for Friendship and cultural cooperation with the DPRK , was elected as chairman of the preparatory committee.

National joint meeting of KCU organisations held

Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- A national joint meeting of organisations of the Korean Children's Union (KCU) was held at Pyongyang Indoor Stadium on Feb. 16, the birthday of General Secretary Kim Jong Il. Present there were Pak Song Chol, politburo member of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee and Vice-President of the DPRK, and other senior cadres. A ceremony of the KCU took place at the meeting. Then, a report was delivered by Ri Il Hwan, first secretary of the Central Committee of the Kim Il Sung Socialist Youth League. To firmly prepare themselves to be a true children's vanguard of the party is an honorable task facing the KCU members, the reporter said, and stressed that the KCU members should become loyal and filial subjects who trust in and follow General Kim Jong Il like students of the Mangyongdae Revolutionary School carrying forward the revolutionary cause of Juche, by actively learning from his glorious childhodd and youth. Another ceremony of admission into the KCU took place at the meeting. Replying to "Let us always be ready as a reserved force of the building of communism " with the honor of becoming the KCU members, the rising generation shouted in chorus the first greetings of the KCU "Ready Always ". An anti-Japanese revolutionary fighter Kim Ok Sun and Dr. Ko Yong Hae, professor of Kim Il Sung University, in their congratulatory speeches asked the schoolschildren to become the masters of Juche Korea true to the pledge they made in front of the KCU flag. A parade of schoolchildren took place at the meeting.

Mass gymnastic display "Song of General Kim Jong Il"

Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- A mass gymnastic display "Song of General Kim Jong Il" was given by 10,000 youths and schoolchildren in Pyongyang at Pyongyang Indoor Stadium on Feb. 16, the birthday of General Secretary Kim Jong Il. Appreciating the display were Ri Jong Ok, Pak Song Chol, Kim Pyong Sik and other senior party and state cadres, together with working people, youths and schoolchildren in the city. Invited there were foreign delegations, delegates and guests who came here to congratulate General Secretary Kim Jong Il on his birthday. The display consists of such chapters as "Glory of Korea," "People's Leader Is Carrying Forward the Cause of the Sun," "Creator of Happiness Who Is Building the Paradise of Juche," "Defender of Justice Holding High the Banner of Independence," "Let Us Exalt Kim Jong Il's Era" and "Let Us Uphold General Kim Jong Il Always with Faith and Obligation". The performers powerfully demonstrated the revolutionary will and spirit of the Korean people and the rising generation to defend and exalt socialism of Juche by pushing ahead with the forced march for the final victory, loudly singing "Song of General Kim Jong Il" as the eternal song of faith, with great glory and pride of having General Kim Jong Il, the sun of the 21st century, in the van of revolution.