Kim Jong Il's birthday to be celebrated
Pyongyang, January 22 (KCNA) -- Preparatory committees of the International United Confederation of Koreans (International Kothongryon) and the Central Association of Korean Nationals in Russia were formed on Jan. 15 and 13 to celebrate the 57th birthday of General Secretary Kim Jong Il.
Chairman of the International Kothongryon Sok Myong Son and chairman of the Central Association of Korean Nationals in Russia Chae Jong Man were elected chairmen of the preparatory committees.
The committees discussed the issues of conducting colorful functions to celebrate the birthday of Kim Jong Il as the greatest event of the nation and a grand festival common to humankind.
10th meeting of Korean Measure Committee for Rescue of Unconverted Long-Term Prisoners of S. Korea
Pyongyang, January 22 (KCNA) -- The 10th meeting of the Korean Measure Committee for the Rescue of Unconverted Long-Term Prisoners of South Korea (Kudaewi) was held in Pyongyang on Jan. 21.
The meeting reviewed last year's work of Kudaewi for the repatriation of Kim In So, Kim Yong Thae, Ham Se hwan, and other unconverted long-term prisoners of the north origin in South Korea.
It discussed measures to stop the South Korean authorities' inhumane and unethical moves, strengthen solidarity among the north, south and overseas sides and more vigorously wage the struggle for the repatriation this year, and adopted a relevant resolution.
It noted that the present South Korean rulers, while stubbornly refusing the repatriation of unconverted long-term prisoners, an urgent human rights issue which must be solved before anything else between the north and south in the present century, are vociferating about "separated families" in an effort to give public opinion impressions that they were concerned about human rights.
It condemned the U.S. for persistently turning their back on the repatriation of the prisoners of war of the Korean People's Army in violation of the Korean Armistice Agreement while retaking even remains of the U.S. prisoners of war.
It demanded the South Korean authorities and the U.S. return the unconverted long-term prisoners of the north origin to their hometowns without delay in accordance with the UN charter on guarantee of human rights and the international laws on treatment of prisoners of war.
Reckless remarks
Pyongyang, January 22 (KCNA) -- Japanese Prime Minister Obuchi in his policy speech at a regular diet meeting on January 19 got on the nerves of the DPRK over its launch of an artificial satellite, according to a news report.
Branding the DPRK's launch of the artificial satellite as "launch of a ballistic missile," he cried that Japan would cope with the DPRK's "launch of ballistic missile" and "suspected underground nuclear facility, " maintaining close relations with the United States and South Korea.
Unpardonable are his provocative remarks because they are an open revelation of Japan's intention to strengthen "cooperation" with the United States and South Korea in stifling the DPRK militarily.
He said that the Japan-U.S. relations should be further consolidated as never before to realise the "aggressive purpose" and that it is important to pass a bill on the updated "guidelines for Japan-U.S. defense cooperation" through the diet at an early date.
His remarks clearly show that the Japanese reactionaries have gone to extremes in their war moves to justify the anti-DPRK confrontation campaign, execute the updated guidelines with the DPRK as the first target and thus realise their ambition to stage a comeback to Korea at any cost.
Kite praising three commanders of Mt. Paektu@appears in S. Korea
Pyongyang, January 22 (KCNA) -- A reunification kite praising the three commanders of Mt. Paektu flew above Hwajinpho, Kosong county, South Korea, the Seoul-based radio Voice of National Salvation quoted the Kangwon provincial committee of the National Democratic Front of South Korea as saying.
Written on the upper part of the kite of five-pointed star shape were letters "long live the three commanders of Mt. Paektu, great fortune of the nation " with pictures of Lake Chon and peaks of Mt. Paektu as background.
And on both sides of the kite were letters "Three commanders, national reunification" and "Three commanders, pride of Hwajinpho."
Seeing the kite, residents said that the star-shaped kite represents the mind of the South Korean people's considering President Kim Il Sung, Mrs. Kim Jong Suk and General Secretary Kim Jong Il to be their mental pillar. They will devote all their efforts to the realisation of reunification, they stressed.
Japanese authorities' obtrusive acts@= KCNA commentary =
Pyongyang, January 22 (KCNA) -- Recently, major ministers of the Japanese government including Prime Minister Obuchi expressed "willingness to improve relations with the DPRK."
However, "preconditions" raised by them are the height of folly. They said that the DPRK must stop "another launch of missile" and dispel the suspicion about "secret underground nuclear facility." This means that their argument about "suspected kidnapping of Japanese" changed into "missile and nuclear issues."
It is ridiculous that they are still branding the launch of an artificial satellite in the DPRK as "launch of a ballistic missile." what is all the more ridiculous is the fact that they raised the abandonment of another launch as a "precondition for improved relations."
It is an independent right of a sovereign state to develop, test and launch artificial satellites or missiles.
Japan's "warning" and "precondition" are indeed imprudent.
The rumour about "suspected underground nuclear facility" was first spread by the U.S.
There is no need to say that it raised the issue to shove off the responsibility for delaying the implementation of the DPRK-U.S. agreed framework.
The Japanese authorities are spreading rumours that the DPRK-Japan relations have not yet been improved because of the launch of a satellite and "nuclear suspicion" of the DPRK.
A snag in the way of improving DPRK-Japan relations is Japan's hostile policy toward the DPRK and its shameless refusal to liquidate the past.
Before vociferating about "precondition," the Japanese authorities should unconditionally compensate for enormous losses inflicted upon the Korean people.
Hanchongryon's indomitable struggle
Pyongyang, January 22 (KCNA) -- Rodong Sinmun today in a commentary says that the South Korean Federation of University Student Councils (Hanchongryon) formed an interim executive committee and confirmed the target of this year's struggle as anti-U.S. independence and anti-"government" struggle.
This is an inspiring development which demonstrated again the indomitable spirit of Hanchongryon which is unyieldingly struggling against the frantic suppression by the authorities, the commentary says, and goes on: It is very just and timely that Hanchongryon confirmed the target of struggle as anti-U.S. independence and anti-"government" struggle.
A nationwide anti-U.S. and anti-"government" struggle for new politics, system and life will inevitably explode in South Korea.
Active students of Hanchongryon who have ardent patriotism and a strong sense of justice and who uncompromisingly fight against injustice will as ever take the lead in the anti-U.S., anti-"government" struggle for national reunification.
Final victory is in store for pro-democracy, pro-reunification forces in South Korea including Hanchongryon.
Japanese reactionaries warned not to act rashly
Pyongyang, January 22 (KCNA) -- Rodong Sinmun today in a signed commentary denounces the Japanese reactionaries for intensifying anti-DPRK campaign with bellicose utterances such as "resolute counteraction" and "military option" from the beginning of the year.
The news analyst says: It is, in essence, as good as a declaration of military confrontation with and of war against the DPRK.
Establishment of emergency liaison networks and liaison offices between the Japanese "Self-Defense Forces" and the South Korean army and measures adopted for joint "search" and military manoeuvers in the seas off the Korean peninsula are aimed at taking aggressive military actions by making close operational relations between the Japanese armed forces and the South Korean army and sending "SDF" into South Korea and its surrounding seas.
It is absolutely right that the DPRK has regarded Japan as the sworn enemy and hardened the will and strength to make Japan pay dearly anytime without fail.
Japan is just under the nose of the DPRK and in its striking sphere.
The Japanese reactionaries will not be alive and the land of Japan will not be safe if they fail to have a correct understanding of the fervent revenge and strength of the Korean people and army but pounce upon them with a sword of militarism.
The Japanese reactionaries should stop acting rashly like a puppy which knows no fear of the tiger.
Foreign Ministry spokesman on resumption of civil war in Angola
Pyongyang, January 22 (KCNA) -- The spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of the DPRK today answered a question put by KCNA regarding the resumption of civil war in Angola.
He said: The resumption of civil war in Angola is entirely attributed to the U.S. unreasonable interference in the Angolan issue and UN prejudiced attitude.
The U.S. and the UN played the role of a mediator in the signing of the Lusaka Peace Accord.
Behind the accord, however, the U.S. put unilateral pressure on the government of Angola, while backing antigovernment forces militarily in stealth.
The UN Security Council took an irresolute attitude towards this, giving an opportunity for the anti-government forces to rearm themselves and resume the civil war.
As a consequence, an unpredictable and complex situation is again prevailing in Angola.
It is the U.S. stereotyped double-dealing tactics to pay lip-service to peace and, in actuality, seek the policy of strength for attaining its purposes.
Such a position of the U.S. is fully revealed in its laying an artificial obstacle in the way of peace on the Korean peninsula.
Particularly, the U.S. is now bringing the situation on the peninsula to the brink of war, raising a hue and cry over non-existent "missile threat" and "suspected underground nuclear facility."
The U.S. must stop backing the anti-government forces in Angola for the proper implementation of the Lusaka Peace Accord and refrain from obstructing peace and reunification in Korea.
The government of the DPRK fully supports the stand of the Angolan government working for peace in Angola.
Legal support headquarters formed in S. Korea
Pyongyang, January 22 (KCNA) -- The Citizens' Federation for the Press reform in South Korea formed a legal support headquarters for victims of the press for freedom of unbiased press, in Seoul on January 18, a Seoul-based radio said.
The headquarters noted a growing number of individuals and organisations have recently been suffering from wrong reports of the press, adding that it would conduct activities for support to the victims by forming a defence panel involving some 20 people.
It criticised the authorities for continued pressure on the unbiased press, and vowed to launch a struggle for genuine freedom of the press.
Anti-north war hysterics getting more pronounced@from beginning of year
Pyongyang, January 22 (KCNA) -- From the beginning of the year the South Korean authorities are intensifying anti-north war moves as never before.
Minju Joson says this in a signed commentary today.
In the wake of recent anti-north war confabs with the U.S. military bosses, they are stepping up war preparations through "winter training" and "midwinter tactical exercises."
The news analyst says:
Their military manoeuvres are a dangerous play with fire to round off war preparations against the north.
Lurking behind their frantic maneuvers is an ulterior intention to divert elsewhere the attention of the people who are accusing them of plunging South Korea into a total bankruptcy and driving the people into the slough of poverty through all sorts of traitorous misrule.
The South Korean should ponder over grave consequences to be entailed by their maneuvers against the north and put an immediate halt to the maneuvers.
Cheerful advance with confidence and optimism
Pyongyang, January 22 (KCNA) -- Rodong Sinmun in an editorial today says that the "arduous march" will lead to a cheerful advance thanks to the tested leadership of General Secretary Kim Jong Il and solid foundations laid for building a powerful nation.
The Joint New Year Editorial called upon the entire Korean people to ensure new advance for building a powerful nation under the uplifted slogan "Follow up the 'arduous march' with a cheerful advance", the editorial says, and goes on:
To follow up the "arduous march" with a cheerful advance is an urgent demand of our developing revolution.
To do so is an honorable and fruitful undertaking to carry into reality the plan of our party for building a powerful nation.
The Kim Jong Il's plan for building a powerful nation is a bright blueprint with which to make Korea a powerful socialist country with inexhaustible potentials in all domains including ideology, politics, military affairs and the economy.
The efforts to follow up the "arduous march" with a cheerful advance are a sacred struggle to open a turning phase in building a powerful nation of Juche by speeding up our advance.
The editorial calls upon all the party members and other working people to implement Kim Jong Il's idea and intention at the risk of their lives.
It stresses that the entire people should move forward at a canter, taking great pride in having succeeded in the forced march.
It calls for bringing about a second great advance of Chollima in all domains of socialist construction.
It notes that the revolutionary spirit of self-reliance should be further displayed in order to follow up the "arduous march" with a cheerful advance.
Kim Jong Il's birthday to be celebrated in Nordic region
Pyongyang, January 22 (KCNA) -- The Sweden-Korea Friendship Association at its executive committee meeting held on January 15 decided to sponsor functions in Nordic region to commemorate Sun's Day and the 57th birthday of Kim Jong Il.
For successful events, the executive committee formed a preparatory committee with the association's chairman as its chairman.
Self-reliance is only way out
Pyongyang, January 22 (KCNA) -- A slogan "self-reliance is the only way out " can be seen in every place of Korea.
It fully reflects the revolutionary spirit of the Korean people who are struggling to build a powerful nation.
Though they had no proper means, men of the Korean People's Revolutionary Army made "Yanji Bombs" in the indomitable spirit of self-reliance in the 1930s and defeated the Japanese imperialists.
Self-reliance is the traditional revolutionary spirit of the Workers' Party and people of Korea and their invincible way of struggle.
The first artificial satellite "Kwangmyongsong 1" was successfully launched 100 percent with local efforts and technology. It clearly proves that only self-reliance is the way out for the Korean people.
The Korean people are defending socialism in the spirit of self-reliance even under unprecedented difficulties caused by the imperialists' suffocation moves and serious natural disasters.
Taehongdan county, Ryanggang Province in the northern border area of Korea, is widely known as a model county of self-reliance.
The county built several medium- and small-size power stations by itself to fully meet its demands for electricity and is now heating dwelling houses with electricity.
It is satisfactorily solving food, clothing and housing problems without any state help.
Its way of self-reliance is now being followed by the whole country.
The Huichon Hotel in Jagang Province, having firmly built its raw material base, is rendering better services, while the Kowon Stockings Factory in South Hamgyong Province is well known to the whole country as a "factory of self-reliance".
Experience of the hotel and factory factories and other units are now being generalized throughout the country.
The Korean people, who have emerged victorious in the revolution in the spirit of self-reliance, will certainly build socialist Korea into a powerful nation.
Kim Il Chol meets Lao ambassador
Pyongyang, January 22 (KCNA) -- Minister of the People's Armed Forces Kim Il Chol met and had a conversation with Lao ambassador to Korea Sayakeo Khamkeng, who paid a courtesy call on him at the People's palace of Culture on Friday.
Delegation of European commission arrives
Pyongyang, January 22 (KCNA) -- A delegation of the European Commission led by Percy Westerlund, director for relations with east Asian countries of the directorate-general external relations, arrived in Pyongyang today by plane.
National skating contest of schoolchildren and students
Pyongyang, January 22 (KCNA) -- A national skating contest of schoolchildren and students was held here from Jan. 17 to Jan. 20 to mark the 3rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Kim Il Sung Socialist Youth League and the founding anniversary of the league.
Participating in the contest divided into senior middle and primary school sectors were more than 500 schoolchildren and students selected from across the country.
The participants displayed their sports talents and techniques trained through extracurricular activities.
Korean books donated to India
Pyongyang, January 22 (KCNA) -- A ceremony for donating Korean books was held on January 15 at the Coordination Centre of Trade Unions of India on the occasion of the 57th birthday of Kim Jong Il.
At the ceremony the Korean ambassador to India handed the chairman of the Centre Volumns 1 and 2 of part 1 the anti-Japanese revolution from "With the Century", the reminiscences of President Kim Il Sung,Kim Jong Il's famous work "Let Us Carry Out the Great Leader Comrade Kim Il Sung's Instructions for National Reunification" and other works and books introducing the DPRK.