Kim Jong Il calls for beefing up@revolutionary armed forces
Pyongyang, February 9 (KCNA) - General Secretary Kim Jong Il, when inspecting Korean People's Army (KPA) unit No. 615 entitled Kum Song lifeguard, said that with new war provocation moves of the U.S. and their stooges to stifle the DPRK by force of arms getting all the more pronounced with each passing day, it is necessary that the revolutionary armed forces be beefed up.
He arrived at the unit in the forefront.
In the forward command post he acquainted himself with the topography of the defence theatres, balance of forces and the situation of the enemy.
He expressed great satisfaction over the fact that the commanding officers and men of the unit have turned all the theatres of operation into impregnable fortresses.
He met with soldiers on a trench of the height. He learned about how they were carrying out their duties and highly praised them for firmly defending the outpost of the country.
Then he went to a company of the unit, which had produced 16 DPRK heroes in Phohang battle during the Fatherland Liberation War.
Whiling looking at the pictures of the 16 heroes, he said that the undying exploits of the heroes who had fought in defence of a height of the country would be handed down forever in the thriving socialist motherland.
He made rounds of entertainment, educational and supply service facilities of the company. He praised the soldiers of the company as true revolutionaries and patriots who devotedly safeguard trenches of the forefront in spite of snow and rain.
He enjoyed an art performance given by soldiers of the company.
He gave them a pair of binoculars, a machine gun and an automatic rifle as gifts before posing for a photograph together with them.
He was accompanied by director of the KPA General Political Department Jo Myong Rok, chief of the KPA general staff Kim Yong Chun, vice-chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission Ri Yong Mu and staff members of the KPA supreme command.
Preparatory committees formed abroad
Pyongyang, February 9 (KCNA) -- Inaugural ceremonies of Bangladesh and Lagos preparatory committees for celebrating the 57th birthday of Kim Jong Il were held on February 1 and 2.
At a ceremony held in Dhaka the general secretary of the c.c., the Workers' Party of Bangladesh was elected chairman and an appeal was adopted.
At a ceremony held in Lagos the chairman of the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Association was elected chairman of the preparatory committee and its action program was discussed.
A congratulatory message to Kim Jong Il was adopted.
Repeal of "NSL" called for
Pyongyang, February 9 (KCNA) -- 65 organizations, including "National Alliance for Democracy and Reunification," the joint committee for basic civil rights and release of prisoners of conscience and "National Council of Professors for Democracy," and parents of prisoners and those under custody and wanted, published a joint declaration for the complete settlement of the conscientious prisoners issue and repeal of the "National Security Law," the South Korean paper Hangyore said.
The declaration called attention to the fact that under the "government for the people" 4.6 times as many prisoners of conscience as those in the one year of the "civilian" rule have been thrown behind bars, and exposed the falsity of the "law-abiding oath system".
It stressed that top priority facing the authorities is to send back prisoners of conscience and those who are still on "want list" to their family members.
It urged the withdrawal of the "law-abiding oath system," release of all prisoners of conscience and stop to search for those who are on "want list" on charges of political offences.
It also called for the repeal of the "NSL", main legal obstacle to the settlement of conscientious prisoners issue.
S. Korean authorities' attempt to stamp out media
Pyongyang, February 9 (KCNA) -- The South Korean "government for the people" on February 5 instructed the chief information secretary of "Chongwadae" to state that the media should be amalgamated through "restructuring," according to a Seoul-based radio report.
This is a threat revealing a scheme to stamp out the media. It is meant to liquidate the media which are believed to be obstacles to the implementation of unpopular policy by applying the "restructuring" now under way at South Korean businesses into the media, too.
Condolences to King of Jordan
Pyongyang, February 9 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, sent a message of condolence on Monday to Abdullah Bin Al Hussein, King of Jordan, on the death of Hussein the First, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
The message expressed deep condolences to the king and, through him, to the government and people of Jordan and the bereaved family over the death of Hussein the first.
Hussein the first devoted himself to the stability and prosperity of the country and peace in the Middle East and his great services for the kingdom and the people will be remembered forever, the message said.
20th anniversary of@victory of Islamic Revolution in Iran
Pyongyang, February 9 (KCNA) -- Iranian ambassador to Korea Mohammad Ganjidoost hosted a reception at the embassy on Monday on the occasion of 20th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran.
Present on invitation were Kim Yun Hyok, secretary of the presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, Foreign Trade Minister Kang Jong Mo, Labor Minister Li Won Il who is chairman of the Korea-Iran Friendship Association, and officials concerned.
Also invited were foreign diplomatic envoys here.
Speeches were made at the reception.
West Sea Barrage office operates by its own source of power
Pyongyang, February 9 (KCNA) -- The West Sea Barrage office is operating by its own source of power.
It manufactured and installed four generators in response to the nationwide efforts to build minor power stations last year. Two generators were set up in auxiliary spillways and two others hung in the spans between sluice-gates. The electricity turned out there is used for the operation of three lock gates through which 50,000 ton-class, 20,000 ton-class and 3,000 ton-class vessels can pass, and a large revolving bridge which ensures train and truck services on lock gates, facilities and equipment. It is also used for electrical heating and lighting for some 30 office rooms and above 100 rooms of its buildings, including dormitories.
The office set the goal of ensuring electrical heating and lighting for over 300 dwelling houses around the barrage, and is moving forward with the preparations for its implementation.
True colors of "March 1 special amnesty" in S. Korea exposed
Pyongyang, February 9 (KCNA) -- A spokesman of the Korean Measure Committee for Rescuing Unconverted Long-Term Prisoners in South Korea published a statement on Monday denouncing the South Korean "Ministry of Justice" for having talked about "March 1 special amnesty" on Jan. 30.
The ministry announced that it would "release" all the unconverted long-term prisoners although they make no "law-abiding oath," the statement said, and continued: This deceptive drama is intended to convince public opinion at home and abroad that they are interested in the human rights problem.
It does not matter to the South Korean "government for the people" whether the unconverted long-term prisoners at an advanced age of 70 are kept behind bars or not, because they will be placed under the constant watch and control to see if they observe the "National Security Law" and the "law on supervision for public peace." So this is just a gesture to show its "generosity" by setting them free.
We scathingly denounce such criminal move in the name of the entire Korean nation and demand that the South Korean authorities release and unconditionally return Kim In So, Kim Yong Thae and Ham Se Hwan of the DPRK's origin and all other unconverted long-term prisoners to their families.
The statement expressed the belief that the human rights organizations in South Korea, Red Cross organizations of all countries and international organizations would actively join the campaign to help the unconverted long-term prisoners in South Korea reunite with their families.
Mongolian ambassador gives reception
Pyongyang, February 9 (KCNA) -- Mongolian ambassador to Korea D. Byambaa gave a reception at the embassy on Monday with the approach of the birthday of General Secretary Kim Jong Il.
Present on invitation were Rim Kyong Suk, Minister of Finance, Jon Kuk Man, vice-Minister of Education, Choe Jong Hwan, vice-chairman of the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries, and officials concerned.
Mean propaganda about human rights in S. Korea
Pyongyang, February 9 (KCNA) -- The "government for the people" on Sunday announced a decision to send the "Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade" to a general meeting of the UN commission on human rights due in Geneva in forthcoming March to inform UN members of "improved human rights situation" in South Korea, according to the South Korean newspaper Choongang Ilbo.
Prior to this announcement, the "Presidential Secretary for Justice" was reportedly dispatched to the UN headquarters in New York to brief it on the "efforts" for "human rights" and ask for wide publicity.
To justify the campaign at the United Nations, the South Korean authorities argued that it was a follow-up of such "signal measures" as impelling the release of prisoners of conscience and the setup of the "state human rights committee."
However, they cooked up "law-abiding oath system," a retrogressive version of the "ideological conversion system," promoted "Agency for National Security Planning," a repressive tool, to "Intelligence Service" and reinforced the "National Security Law," far from releasing prisoners of conscience.
This stark fact fully reveals the meanness of the South Korean "government," a strangler of human rights.
Rodong Sinmun on renaming of "ANSP"
Pyongyang, February 9 (KCNA) -- Rodong Sinmun today comes out with a signed commentary on the South Korean authorities' renaming of the "Agency for National Security Planning" (ANSP) as an "intelligence service."
The news analyst of the paper says:
The South Korean authorities are noisily advertizing that, with the renaming, "its gloomy past was liquidated" and that an "intelligence organ for the people has come into being."
This is a third-rate political drama to deceive and make a mockery of the people calling for the dissolution of the "ANSP."
Quite contrary to their loud advertisement, the anti-north function of the "Intelligence Service" has been further expanded.
The renaming only promoted the "ANSP" to the "Intelligence Service." In other words, the "intelligence service" is none other than the "ANSP" whose name has been changed only.
The "ANSP" is the headquarters of anti-north confrontation and intrigues and fascist suppression.
This is why all the Korean nation including South Koreans are strongly calling for the immediate dissolution of the "ANSP" which obstructs national unity and reunification.
The recent renaming is a last-ditch effort and trick to ward off public criticism against the "ANSP."
Japanese authorities warned not to run amok
Pyongyang, February 9 (KCNA) -- The Japanese authorities should not imprudently behave over the DPRK's "suspected nuclear facility" and "inspection" but know well their opponent, says Rodong Sinmun in a commentary today criticising them for their ceaseless anti-DPRK manoeuvrings.
The news analyst continues:
Not long ago, the Japanese media carried a cock-and-bull report that the DPRK allowed "several rounds of inspections" of its "underground nuclear facility" at the DPRK-U.S. negotiation and, synchronizing with it, major cabinet ministers of Japan including the Prime Minister let loose outbursts getting on the nerve of the DPRK. These are far-fetched arguments of the Japanese authorities who are accustomed to doing anything against others if it is for their own sake.
The suspicion about the "underground nuclear facility" and "missile issue" are what the United States invented as an excuse to isolate and stifle the DPRK.
Dancing to the U.S. tune, the Japanese authorities are urging the DPRK to "accept inspections" and claiming that it is "necessary" to take a "tough position" and "a joint step between Japan, U.S. and South Korea." What they seek in this is to impair the dignity of the DPRK by floating rumours about a "suspected underground facility" and, furthermore, stifle the DPRK's socialist system.
They also seek to justify their nuclear armament on the plea of the DPRK's "suspected underground nuclear facility."
No matter what others may say or what pressure may be imposed, the DPRK will never alter its principled stand towards the "underground facility."
DPRK woman football player leaves for U.S.
Pyongyang, February 9 (KCNA) -- A DPRK girl Kim Sun Hui left Pyongyang on Monday for a soccer game between a world women's football team and the U.S. national selection in the United States.
The first world women's football team is composed of best players of 15 countries including the DPRK, China, Russia, Brazil and Germany which will participate in the world cup games to be held in the United States this year.
Science high on DPRK's agenda
Pyongyang, February 9 (KCNA) -- Science has been placed high on the agenda of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea which is running at canter for the building of a powerful nation.
This year General Secretary Kim Jong Il first gave on-the-spot guidance to the National Academy of Sciences. During his on-site guidance he said nothing should be spared for scientists and technicians, the valuable treasures of the nation, adding that the spirit of attaching priority to science should be prevalent in the whole country.
During his on-the-spot guidance to the academy in Juche 84 (1995) he underscored this spirit.
The DPRK has 1.8 million intellectuals armed with the Juche idea, as well as profound scientific and technological knowledge, including scientists and technicians.
It considers them the greatest wealth of the country and valuable asset for eternal prosperity of the country.
It has built modern comprehensive scientific research institutes up and down the country and provided every necessary condition for scientific researches. Scientific results are applied into practice amidst the concern of the whole party and all the people. Rodong Sinmun, the organ of the Workers' Party of Korea, television and other mass media give wide coverage to signal achievements of scientists and technicians.
Even under a difficult economic situation for several years the state has paid particular attention to the life of scientists and technicians. It has provided every facility, including supply of food and commodities.
A hotel manageress in Huichon, Jagang Province, said that scientists and technicians should not feel hungry and served them with food and meat, its sideline products. The manageress and hotel employees have eaten food substitute instead. The manageress was awarded the title of labor heroine last year.
Moved by this spirit now prevalent in the whole society, scientists and technicians are taking the lead in the onward march with a high pride.
In recent years they have gained dazzling successes in electronics, heat engineering and bioengineering. Signal successes have been reported from high-tech domains as well.
The scientific and technological progress is opening a short cut for the building of a powerful nation.
Japan's "emergency legislation" denounced
Pyongyang, February 9 (KCNA) -- A meeting was held in Osaka, Japan, on Jan. 21 to denounce "emergency legislation."
At the meeting speakers called upon trade unions and civic organizations to struggle against the enactment of "emergency legislation," saying that the Liberal-Democratic Party and the Liberal Party step it up in coalition.
They called upon conscientious Japanese people and Koreans who want the reunification of the Korean peninsula to wage an active solidarity struggle, adding that it is of weighty importance for them to oppose the "emergency legislation."
The meeting adopted a declaration.
At the end of the meeting the participants paraded, holding up placards against the enactment of the "emegency legislation."
Kim Jong Il lauded in S. Korea
Pyongyang, February 9 (KCNA) -- A South Korean freelance journalist Kim Kwang Chol published an article titled "Leader Kim Jong Il's first inspection in the New Year and its significance," according to Seoul-based radio Voice of National Salvation.
He wrote that the leader Kim Jong Il's inspection of the National Academy of Sciences, the first in the year, is significant because it convinces the people of the successful building of a powerful nation the blueprint of which he demonstrated before the world.
He further said:
The north vowed to bring about this year a turning-point in building a powerful nation, defined science and technology as the driving force for the building of a powerful nation, and declared that it would raise the nation's science and technology to the world standard in the same spirit displayed in launching an artificial satellite into orbit, the first in history of Korea.
Kim Jong Il has attached priority to the development of the nation's science and technology and showed a great loving care to it.
He saw to it that the spirit of giving priority to science is prevalent in the whole country.
He paid particular attention to the building of a number of scientific research institutes and the provision of the best research and living conditions.
The successful building of a powerful nation is in sight thanks to his unshakable will and devoted services for the country.
He is possessed of a wealth of scientific and technological knowledge that surpasses that of experts in all domains ranging from electronic technology of the century to space technology and astronomy. He has also distinguished insight into the prospects for science and technology of the 21st century, practical ability and great drive. Indeed, he is an outstanding political leader of the 21st century.
The will and faith of Kim Jong Il to make the 21st century a century of independence free from aggression, exploitation and colonialism serve as a main factor of bringing the idea of attaching priority to science and practice as well as the idea of independence to reality.
Visits
Pyongyang, February 9 (KCNA) -- A delegation of the National Democratic Party of Mongolia headed by its chairman Ts. Elbegdorj arrived in Pyongyang today on a visit to Korea to congratulate General Secretary Kim Jong Il on his birthday.
The delegation was met by Choe Thae Bok, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, an official concerned and D.Byambaa, Mongolian ambassador to Korea.
A delegation of the Iranian Foreign Ministry led by vice-Minister Mohsen Aminzadeh arrived in Pyongyang today.