Successful launch of first satellite in DPRK

Pyongyang, September 4 (KCNA) -- The Korean Central News Agency Broadcast a report today over the successful launch of the first artificial satellite in the DPRK. The report says: Our scientists and technicians have succeeded in launching the first artificial satellite aboard a multi-stage rocket into orbit. The rocket was launched in the direction of 86 degrees at a launching station in Musudan-ri, Hwadae county, North Hamgyong Province at 12:07 August 31, Juche 87 (1998) and correctly put the satellite into orbit at 12 hours 11 minutes 53 seconds in four minutes 53 seconds. The rocket is of three stages. The first stage was separated from the rocket 95 seconds after the launch and fell on the open waters of the East Sea of Korea 253 km off the launching station, that is 40 degrees 51 minutes north latitude 132 degrees 40 minutes east longitude. The second stage opened the capsule in 144 seconds, separated itself from the rocket in 266 seconds and fell on the open waters of the pacific 1,646 km off from the launching station, that is 40 degrees 13 minutes north latitude 149 degrees 07 minutes east longitude. The third stage put the satellite into orbit 27 seconds after the separation of the second stage. The satellite is running along the oval orbit 218.82 km in the nearest distance from the earth and 6,978.2 km in the farthest distance. Its period is 165 minutes 6 seconds. The satellite is equipped with necessary sounding instruments. It will contribute to promoting scientific research for peaceful use of outer space. It is also instrumental in confirming the calculation basis for the launch of practical satellites in the future. The satellite is now transmitting the melody of the immortal revolutionary hymns "Song of General Kim Il Sung" and "Song of General Kim Jong Il" and the Morse signals "Juche Korea" in 27 MHz. The rocket and satellite which our scientists and technicians correctly put into orbit at one launch are a fruition of our wisdom and technology 100 percent. The successful launch of the first artificial satellite in the DPRK greatly encourages the Korean people in the efforts to build a powerful socialist state under the wise leadership of General Secretary Kim Jong Il.

Foreign Ministry spokesman on successful launch of artificial satellite

Pyongyang, September 4 (KCNA) -- The spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea issued a statement today over the successful launch of an artificial satellite carried out by a competent department of the DPRK recently. The spokesman says: The satellite launch is one more fruit of the independent national economy, a product of 100 percent local technology and local effort. This gives pride and delight to the Korean nation and their friends. Some people around the DPRK, however, are making a fuss, ignorant of this valuable success of science and technology which will add to the common treasurehouse of humanity. They suspected it to be a ballistic missile launching test, expressed some "apprehensions" and described it as "serious event." their rash behavior reminds one of the saying "once bitten, twice shy." Some people in the United States talk as if the ballistic missile launched by the DPRK had made it difficult for them to fulfil their obligation under the DPRK-U.S. framework agreement. They try to link this matter with food assistance which they have described as a purely humanitarian issue. What is more intolerable is Japan's behavior. Although they have no information on what happened, the Japanese authorities, blindly accepting rumours about the ballistic missile launching test in the DPRK, are threatening that they will bring this issue to the United Nations Security Council and that they will take "countermeasures." Before announcing that they would "put off" negotiations for normalisation of diplomatic relations, Japan must not forget that it is our right, not any bargaining thing, to demand apologies and compensation for its past crimes and that we are willing to exercise our right. It is an internationally recognized right of a sovereign state to peacefully use the space. It is also a strong trend of modern science and technology to develop, launch and use an artificial satellite in line with this. We have never criticized the United States and Japan for having launched artificial satellites. We are well aware that these satellites have been used for espionage on our country. For our country to have an artificial satellite, therefore, is an only too natural exercise of sovereignty= whether this capacity will be used for a military purpose or not, entirely depends on the attitude of forces hostile towards us. The United States must ponder over its military pressure upon and preemptive attack on the DPRK. Japan must be aware that an attempt to enact a law for involvement in belligerent to relations between the DPRK and the U.S. is tantamount to a declaration of war against the DPRK. The artificial satellite recently launched just before the historic first session of the 10th Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK manifests the iron will and indomitable spirit of our party, army and people who are working hard for the greater prosperity of the country, pulling through difficulties. Those two countries must be aware of this. Particularly, the forces hostile towards the DPRK must be mindful that their attempt to lead the DPRK to a change will bring them nothing but destruction.

President Kim Il Sung is alive in heart of humankind

Pyongyang, September 4 (KCNA) -- Uton Muchtar Rafei, director of the Southeast Asia Regional Office of the World Health Organization, expressed deep respect for the President Kim Il Sung, in an interview with KCNA. There are many great men in history who are famous for distinguished qualities and talents but there was no such great man as Kim Il Sung, he said. When he visited the Kumsusan Memorial Palace he was convinced that the President is alive in the hearts of the Korean people as well as the world people while seeing many foreigners and overseas Koreans expressing respects to him, he noted. He stressed that the international friendship exhibition shows his greatness well. The gifts displayed there are associated with the warm desire of the world people to have him forever as the great sun brightly indicating the road ahead of the era of independence. General Secretary Kim Jong Il is a symbol and banner of victory for the Korean people, he noted, adding: he guarantees the eternal prosperity of Korea and happiness of the Korean people.

Pak Song Chol meets heads of foreign delegations

Pyongyang, September 4 (KCNA) -- Vice-President of the DPRK Pak Song Chol, who was participating in the 12th summit meeting of non-aligned countries, met the heads of state of Cuba and Nigeria, the Indian Prime Minister, the Presidents of Uganda, Palestine, Iran, Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa on Sep. 1 and 2. Pak Song Chol also met the vice-presidents of Zambia and Syria and the deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Laos, who were leading their delegations. Between August 31 and September 2, Kim Yong Nam, vice-Premier and Foreign Minister of the DPRK, met in the conference hall the Foreign Ministers of Cuba, Ghana, Iran, Libya, Indonesia, Egypt, China, Iraq, Thailand, Malaysia, South Africa, Colombia and Zimbabwe and the Cambodian Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Anti-submarine drill staged in S. Korea

Pyongyang, September 4 (KCNA) -- The South Korean rulers staged an anti-submarine drill in the East Sea of Korea on September 2, a Seoul-based radio report said. Crying for "intensified combined defence system of civilians, government officials and army," they mobilized coastal defence forces of the army, maritime police, submarines, escort ships, patrol boats, anti-submarine patrol planes, anti-submarine helicopters and many other armed forces. Worse still, they called fishermen in Tonghae and Samchok areas out to the drill. The drill was staged in the sea near the areas of the North Korea in the wake of the criminal Ulji Focus Lens joint military exercise. This fact shows that the South Korean authorities are hell-bent on the reckless war manoeuvres against the north in a bid to escape from a serious crisis.

Deputies to 10th SPA arrive here

Pyongyang, September 4 (KCNA) -- Deputies to the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) of the DPRK arrived here on Sept. 3 to attend the first session of the 10th SPA. They are filled with firm determination to make a historic phase for the strengthening and development of the DPRK and exalt a new era of the Juche revolution by participating in the session, which will be held before the 50th anniversary of the DPRK.

Literature praising Kim Jong Il scattered in S. Korea

Pyongyang, September 4 (KCNA) -- Many copies of literature praising General Secretary Kim Jong Il were scattered in residential quarters in Ilsan, Kyonggi Province, South Korea, on Sept. 2, a Seoul-based radio report said. Written in the literature in the name of the sunflower society were letters "Long live marshal Kim Jong Il, President of reunified country " and "Let us uphold and follow the leader Kim Jong Il as President of reunified country " It contained words expressing respect for the fatherly leader President Kim Il Sung and explaining the significance of September 9, the foundation anniversary of the DPRK.

Women's art performance to celebrate National Day

Pyongyang, September 4 (KCNA) -- An art performance was given by circle members of the Korean Democratic Women's Union at the Women's Hall on September 3 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The performance was appreciated by Kim Jung Rin, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, and Kim Pok Sin, vice-Premier of the Administration Council. Put on the stage were colorful numbers reflecting the immortal feats performed by three commanders of Mt. Paektu in the history of the DPRK and the absolute trust of the Korean people in the DPRK government. Poem and story "Story of national emblem" and women's chorus "Mansudae where the leader is" and "We will hold our marshal in high esteem" were acclaimed by the audience. A meeting "DPRK, bosom of women's true life" was held on September 2 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the DPRK. Women of different social standings impressively spoke of glorious days when they enjoyed an independent and happy life as masters of the country under the government of the DPRK founded by the President Kim Il Sung and glorified by General Seceratry Kim Jong Il.

Symposium of servicemen marks National Day

Pyongyang, September 4 (KCNA) -- A symposium of the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces was held at the April 25 House of Culture on September 3 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Vice marshals of the Korean People's Army Jo Myong Rok and Kim Yong Chun and other speakers said the President Kim Il Sung put forward a unique policy of building a people's government and built a man-centered socialist state, the first of its kind in history. They referred to the invincible defence capabilities, saying that with the DPRK remaining true to the party's military policy of training the whole army into a cadre army, building the whole army into a modern one, putting all the people under arms and turning the whole country into a fortress, the people's army has turned into invincible revolutionary armed forces and the whole country into an impregnable fortress. General Secretary Kim Jong Il has been acclaimed as the supreme leader of the Korean revolution. This has made it possible to exalt for all ages the great achievements gained in army building under the guidance of the President, the father of socialist Korea, they added.

Photo and fine arts shows open

Pyongyang, September 4 (KCNA) -- N national photo show and a national fine arts show opened on September 3 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Put on display at the People's Palace of Culture are some 180 photos showing the immortal feats of the President Kim Il Sung and the revolutionary activities of General Secretary Kim Jong Il who glorifies the feats of the President in state building. Put on show at the Korean art gallery are some 360 Korean paintings, oil paintings and graphic paintings. What impresses visitors most are those paintings showing the immortal revolutionary feats and noble virtues of the peerlessly great men. The 13th Fine Arts Exhibition of the Korean People's Army opened at the April 25 House of Culture on the same day to celebrate the National Day.

Broad-gauge project completed

Pyongyang, September 4 (KCNA) -- A broad-gauge project of the Haeju-Ongjin section and the Sinkangryong-Pupho section has been completed some days before the 50th anniversary of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The completion of the project is instrumental in markedly increasing transport capacity in the Ongjin and Kangryong areas, developing the national economy in South Hwanghae Province and providing better traffic conditions to the local people. The railway constructors successfully finished the project of 60 km sections in 65 days despite shortage and difficulties. A ceremony of opening the broad-gauge sections to traffic took place at Haeju Youth Station on Thursday. It was attended by Han Song Ryong, politburo member and secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee, and Kim Yun Hyok, vice-Premier of the Administration Council. The WPK Central Committee sent a congratulatory message to the constructors for their feats in the project. The message highly appreciated their positive contributions to laying the railways as one of eternal value, demonstrating the might of Korean socialism and adorning the National Day as a grand festival of victors. Minister of Railways Pak Yong Sok made a report at the ceremony.

Release of Father Mun Kyu Hyon urged

Pyongyang, September 4 (KCNA) -- The spokesman for the Central Committee of the Korean Catholics Association issued a statement on Thursday, demanding the South Korean authorities abolish the anti-reunification "National Security Law" and release the unreasonably arrested Father Mun Kyu Hyon and other pro-reunification, pro-democracy patriots at once. Father Mun of the South Korean Catholic Priests' Council for Justice was thrown behind bars on August 27 after visiting North Korea. The spokesman says: It is outrageous for the South Korean authorities to incriminate and arrest the priest for the mere reason that he took part in the August 15 grand pro-reunification festival. The authorities once said they would "accept" the proposal for the festival. The chief executive of South Korea, who styles himself a roman Catholic, reveals his shamelessness by persecuting the priest who took part in the festival with pure love for fellow countrymen. The spokesman expressed the expectation that the pro-reunification patriotic organisations of South Korea would fight the anti-reunification forces for the release of Father Mun.

"Kim Il Sung's collected works" off the press

Pyongyang, September 4 (KCNA) -- The Workers' Party of Korea Publishing House brought out "Kim Il Sung's collected works" (vols. 22 and 23), the library of the Juche idea, to mark the 50th National Day. Volume 22 contains 38 famous works made by the President Kim Il Sung, including reports, speeches, concluding speeches and talks, over May-December Juche 47 (1958), when a decisive victory was won in socialist revolution of Korea. Volume 23 contains 27 works, including reports, speeches and talks, made over January-May Juche 48 (1959). Those volumes include outstanding ideas, theories and policies laid down by the President to accelerate socialist construction and consolidate the political, economic and military positions of socialism, after basing himself on the scientific analysis of the requirements of the developing revolution and the changed international and domestic situation. They also include the undying achievements and valuable experience gained under his guidance over the work to carry them into practice.

Rodong Sinmun on driving force for reunification

Pyongyang, September 4 (KCNA) -- The five-point policy of great national unity clarified by General Secretary Kim Jong Il is an essential guarantee for achieving the great unity of the nation and firmly building up the driving force for national reunification, says Rodong Sinmun today in a signed article on building up the driving force for national reunification. The article further says: In order to build up the driving force for national reunification, it is imperative to strengthen solidarity and unity among compatriots in the north, south and abroad under the banner of patriotism, the banner of national reunification, in the struggle for the reunification of the country and take joint action. Differences in ideology, idea, political view and religious belief with in the Korean nation cannot be an obstacle to achieving solidarity and unity and taking joint action among the compatriots at home and abroad in the struggle to realize national reunification. The August 15 grand pro-reunification festival held by Koreans in the north, south and abroad proved that if the whole nation turn out with the will to frustrate anti-reunification moves of the separatists at home and abroad and achieve national reconciliation and reunification in our generation, it is possible to realize the great unity of the nation and the reunification of the country, stresses the article.

Secretary general of south headquarters of Pomminryon arrested

Pyongyang, September 4 (KCNA) -- The Seoul district public prosecutor's office on august 28 arrested Choe Jin Su, secretary general of the south headquarters of the National Alliance for the Country's Reunification (Pomminryon), by invoking the "National Security Law," according to a South Korean newspaper. The South Korean authorities charged him with leading the activities of the south headquarters of Pomminryon and helping students of Hanchongryon (South Korean Federation of University Student Councils) take part in the August 15 grand pro-reunification festival.

U.S. troops to be deployed near Korean peninsula

Pyongyang, September 4 (KCNA) -- The U.S. imperialists decided to additionally deploy units of the Seventh Fleet of the U.S. Pacific Command in the sea near the Korean peninsula, according to the South Korean newspaper Choongang Ilbo September 2. The newspaper said the united states informed the South Korean authorities that its troops in the pacific would be deployed in the sea near the Korean peninsula.

Foreign diplomats pay respects to President Kim Il Sung

Pyongyang, September 4 (KCNA) -- Officials in charge of cultural and friendly relations of foreign embassies in Korea visited the Statue of the President Kim Il Sung on Mansu Hill today on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the DPRK. The visitors laid a basket of flowers before the statue and paid respects to the President.