Rodong Sinmun observes day of opening of diplomatic relations between Korea and Iran
Pyongyang, April 17 (KCNA) -- Rodong Sinmun April 16 dedicated a signed article to the 25th anniversary of the opening of diplomatic relations between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The paper said that the peoples of Korea and Iran have supported and cooperated closely with each other in the struggle against imperialism and for regional peace and security.
The author of the article further said:
tTe Iranian people have dynamically struggled to frustrate the political, economic and military pressure and blockade by the imperialists and live independently under the banner of Islamic revolution.
Iran has firmly maintained anti-imperialist independent policies.
The people of Iran, a member nation of non-aligned movement, are pursuing foreign policies based on the idea of independence, peace and friendship against imperialism.
Particularly, they are firmly maintaining independence, repulsing the U.S. pressure and allurement.
To develop the friendly and cooperative relations between the peoples and countries of the DPRK and Iran is favourable to the anti-imperialist struggle and the building of an independent and peaceful, new Asia.
The Korean people will as ever make strenuous efforts to consolidate and develop the friendly and cooperative relations with the Iranian people.
Papers observe Syria's Independence Day
Pyongyang, April 17 (KCNA) -- Papers today observe the day of the Independence of Syria.
Rodong Sinmun says the Independence of Syria marked an epoch-making event in the Syrian people's struggle for defending the dignity of the nation and building a new society, free and prosperous.
Since the independence, the Syrian people have worked hard to eliminate the aftermaths of the colonial rule and build a new society and registered tremendous achievements in the struggle, the daily says, and continues:
They are now struggling for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Syria's just position and efforts are fully supported by the international community.
The Korean people are sincerely rejoiced at all the achievements made by the Syrian people in the efforts for consolidating national sovereignty and creating a new life.
They also fully support the syrian government and people in their just position and efforts for a fair solution to the mideast problem.
Minju Joson says the Korean people will as ever fully support the Syrian people in their just cause of defending the nation's sovereignty and achieving the country's prosperity and development.
Chongjin Metal Joint Venture Company commissioned
Pyongyang, April 17 (KCNA) -- The Chongjin Metal Joint Venture Company was commissioned on the occasion of Sun's Day.
With the company equipped with modern facilities from the supply of raw materials to the production processes, it is possible to mass-produce high-quality processed metal goods and castings for export.
A commissioning ceremony was held on April 16.
Present were Pak Chun Man, Chairman of the Chongjin city administrative and economic committee, employees of the company and Chinese guests.
The participants went round the production processes of the company.
Declaration of International Seminar on Juche Idea
Pyongyang, April 17 (KCNA) -- A declaration was adopted at the International Seminar on the Juche Idea for Independence and Peace in the Present World which was held in India on the occasion of Sun's Day.
The President Kim Il Sung authored the great Juche idea which brought an epochal turn in the development of human thought, opened the era of independence when the maltreated and oppressed people have emerged as makers of history, masters of their destiny and put the advance movement of history on an orbit of independence, the declaration said.
Venerating President Kim Il Sung as the sun of the progressive humankind forever is a duty and obligation of the people living in the glorious era of independence, it noted. "We will commemorate Sun's Day every year with a large attendance and exalt his undying feats."
The cause of independence started by him is being firmly defended and successfully carried forward by General Kim Jong Il, the declaration stated, saying:
"His excellency Kim Jong Il formulated the revolutionary ideas of President Kim Il Sung as an integral system of idea, theory and method of Juche and developed them as the great banner of the cause of independence.
"Led by his excellency Kim Jong Il, the people's cause of independence will overcome all trials and ordeals and win the final victory. This is the steadfast faith cherished in our hearts.
"The 20th century is a glorious one in which the people's cause of independence was pioneered and emerged victorious under the leadership of President Kim Il Sung whereas the 21st century will be a great one in which the cause will win a decisive victory under the leadership of his excellency Kim Jong Il.
"We will invariably devote all our energies and wisdom to the final victory of the people's cause of independence under the leadership of his excellency Kim Jong Il in any adversity.
"We will more deeply study the Juche idea and disseminate it among broad masses in conformity with the requirements of the time and the developing cause of the independence of the people.
"We will wage an uncompromising struggle against the reactionary, anti-popular ideas spread by the imperialists and opportunists and keep the Juche idea pure.
"We will make all efforts to actively encourage the people in their struggle to build a new society, peaceful and prospering in an independent world freed from aggression and war.
"We will make every possible effort to strengthen solidarity with the people of all countries who are drawing a lesson from their past bitter failure and struggling to rebuild socialism on the basis of a new ideological foundation.
"We will actively support and encourage the Korean people in their struggle to shatter the imperialists' anti-DPRK moves, develop socialism centred on the popular masses and thus consolidate the reliable fortress of the cause of independence and achieve the independent and peaceful reunification of the country in line with the three charters of national reunification defined by the respected his excellency Kim Jong Il."
Scenic spots and natural treasures confirmed
Pyongyang, April 17 (KCNA) -- Korea has again surveyed,estimated and registered scenic spots and natural treasures across the country in recent years.
More than 60 scenic spots and over 40 natural treasures were registered newly. 80 scenic spots and 430 natural treasures have been designated in Korea so far. The figure is more than 20 times that in Juche 35 (1946) when the first law on preserving scenic spots and natural treasures was made public.
Korea is carrying on the all-state, all-people work for preserving natural and cultural treasures.
Kangwon and north Hamgyong provinces have more than 60 scenic spots and natural treasures each. Many scenic spots are seen in South Hwanghae Province, precious plants in Kangwon Province and animals in Ryanggang Province.
Joint performances of Pyongyang Festival
Pyongyang, April 17 (KCNA) -- Joint performances of the 16th April Spring Friendship Art Festival were given at the Mansudae Art Theatre and other theatres in Pyongyang on April 16.
The performances boiled up to the climax of the festival.
Appreciating the performances were Vice-Presidents Ri Jong Ok, Pak Song Chol and Kim Pyong Sik and other senior party and state officials.
Chief Vice-Chairman of the Central Standing Committee of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan Ho Jong Man, other overseas Koreans, foreign diplomatic envoys and embassy officials here and other foreign guests also enjoyed the performances.
Foreign artistes and overseas Korean artistes sang and danced more passionately, pleased to commemorate Sun's Day together with the Korean people.
The performers showed on a high ideological and artistic level the faith and will of all the people to uphold President Kim Il Sung, the eternal sun of humankind, for all ages and reflected well the best wishes of humankind for longevity of General Kim Jong Il, who created a new history of immortality of the leader.
Gift to G.S. Kim Jong Il from Cuban delegation
Pyongyang, April 17 (KCNA) -- The visiting delegation of the Foreign Ministry of Cuba made a gift to General Kim Jong Il.
Vice Foreign Minister Isabel Allende, who is heading the delegation, asked an official concerned to convey the gift to him.
Greetings to Nepalese Prime Minister
Pyongyang, April 17 (KCNA) -- Hong Song Nam, acting Premier of the Administration Council, sent a message of greetings to Girija Prasad Koirala upon his appointment as Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Nepal.
The message wished the Prime Minister greater success in his responsible work and expressed the belief that the friendly and cooperative relations between Korea and Nepal would further strengthen and develop in the future.