Kim Jong Il inspects A-A machine gun battery
Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) - General Secretary Kim Jong Il on Tuesday inspected a women's anti-aircraft machine gun battery under KPA unit No. 991 that had won the three-revolution flag twice.
After receiving a salute, he looked round the education room, bedroom, kitchen, daily provision store, green house and other facilities of the battery for cultural education and logistics, to take warm care of the life of women soldiers.
At the education room, he looked at the photographs the battery soldiers had taken with the President Kim Il Sung. He also inquired after those who had the pictures taken with the President and learned how the education materials including those installed on the desks were used. He urged all the soldiers to become fine women revolutionaries, always remembering that the President visited the battery many a time and showed deep loving care and favors.
He learned about the details of the soldiers' life -- how they were enjoying entertainment, what the temperature of the bedroom was in winter, what favorite food the women soldiers were taking and how they were cultivating vegetables in the green house.
He noted with great satisfaction that the women soldiers of the battery were a model in military and political training and managing the economic life neat and clean the way the anti-Japanese heroines had done.
He said the soldiers had done a lot of things. He highly praised them for dedicating every moment of their valuable youth to the motherland and the people.
He called for paying special attention to the life of the women soldiers. He described them as ardent revolutionaries and true patriots who successfully perform their difficult military duties in defence of the motherland, with arms in hand for the party, revolution, motherland and people.
He then enjoyed an art performance of the soldiers of the battery.
He gave the women soldiers a pair of binoculars and an automatic rifle.
He had a picture taken with them.
He was accompanied by generals Hyon Chol Hae and Pak Jae Gyong and other general officers of the Korean People's Army.
Kim Jong Il sees winter training of soldiers
Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Il saw a winter training of soldiers of KPA unit No. 682 on Tuesday.
Present on the occasion were generals Hyon Chol Hae and Pak Jae Gyong and other general officers of the Korean People's Army.
After seeing the training filled with invincible spirit, he expressed great satisfaction and highly praised all the servicemen of the unit from the officers to the men as well as their families for having grown to be invincible fighters prepared politically, ideologically and physically and in military technique.
He said the People's Army's spirit of devoted defence of the leader, ardent patriotism and self-sacrificing spirit constitute a great factor for defeating any formidable enemy in the world at one stroke. The motherland is an impregnable fortress as it has invincible revolutionary armed forces with the People's Army at the core, he added.
He said the guns of the revolution are a guarantee for national prosperity and victory in socialism. He advanced important tasks to further strengthen the revolutionary armed forces.
He gave the unit a pair of binoculars, a machine gun and an automatic rifle as gifts. He met with model soldiers, appreciated their successful training and had a picture taken with them.
He also met with wives and children of the unit's officers involved in the winter training, appreciated their deeds, warmly encouraged them and had a picture taken with them.
Art performance of Korean Art Troupe from Japan
Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- The Art Troupe of Koreans in Japan gave a performance "the Marshal is the@destiny of Chongryon and the father of 700,000 Koreans in Japan" for guests of honor here on Tuesday on the occasion of the February holiday. Appreciating the performance were Hong Song Nam, premier of the cabinet, officials concerned, working people, artistes, youth and students in Pyongyang. Put on the stage were a song and dance "We make a big bow of wish" which represents wishes for longevity of General Secretary Kim Jong Il, a male trio "He gives only love" a Jangsaenap solo and Pangchang "Our pride is boundless" and other colorful pieces. The performers vividly showed the pride and happiness of the officials of Chongryon (General Association of Korean Residents In Japan) and Koreans in Japan who are exalting the dignity and honor of being overseas citizens of Juche Korea.
Floral basket laid before Kim Il Sung's Statue
Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- Members of the Pyongyang mission of the National Democratic Front of South Korea laid a floral basket before the Statue of the President Kim Il Sung on Mansu hill in Pyongyang on Feb. 16, the lunar New Year's day, and paid tribute to him. That day, they visited the Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery on Mt. Taesong to lay bouquets before the bust of Kim Jong Suk, the great communist revolutionary fighter and anti-Japanese heroine, and observed a moment's silence in her memory.
Congratulatory letter to Kim Jong Il from O Ik Je
Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) - General Secretary Kim Jong Il received a congratulatory letter from O Ik Je, vice-chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, on Feb. 16, his birthday.
The letter says: Your birth on Mt. Paektu was an event worthy of special mention in the history of the Tangun nation and humankind. You grew up cultivating the spirit of Mt. Paektu and grasping the same resourcefulness and grit as Mt. Paektu. The door to building a powerful nation has been opened wide on this land. This is a result of the tireless efforts made by you while leading this country in the spirit of Mt. Paektu. The country and nation are one as there is Mt. Paektu rising high with your will for independence. You will reunify the country in the spirit of Mt. Paektu. As long as we are led by you, our country will be as dignified and proud as Mt. Paektu. O Ik Je wholeheartedly wished Kim Jong Il a long life in good health.
Congratulatory letter to Kim Jong Il from Ri In Mo
Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) - General Secretary Kim Jong Il received a congratulatory letter from Ri In Mo, the incarnation of faith and will, on Feb. 16, his birthday.
He said: Spending 6 years under the benevolent care of the party, I have keenly felt that you, the respected Marshal, are the greatest man endowed with literary and military accomplishments, loyalty and filial piety, who is highly respected and praised by all people. You have single-handedly defended Korean socialism and the destiny of the entire nation by subduing and dispiriting formidable enemies, looking down on them. You are a peerless patriot and a great revolutionary who always wins victory after victory by making tireless efforts for the country and the people. My family and I will remain loyal and devoted to you, bearing your greatness deep in mind. Ri In Mo wholeheartedly wished Kim Jong Il a long life in good health.
Evening gala of Pyongyang youth and students
Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- An evening gala of youth and students in Pyongyang took place at the Central Youth Hall on the evening of Tuesday to celebrate the 57th birthday of General Secretary Kim Jong Il. Present on the occasion were Yang Hyong Sop, Kim Jung Rin and other senior party and state officials. Overseas Koreans on a visit to the socialist homeland were also on hand. At the evening gala speeches were made by People's Army soldiers and other young people who had the honor of having met Kim Jong Il. The participants enjoyed the holiday evening, dancing full of youthful stamina and vigor with the firm determination to live up to the trust and expectation of Kim Jong Il who is putting them forward as shock-brigades for the building of a powerful nation.
Central meeting of Koreans in Japan held to celebrate Kim Jong Il's birthday
Tokyo, February 15 (KNS-KCNA) -- A central meeting of Koreans in Japan was held at the Korean Hall of Culture in Tokyo on Feb. 15 to celebrate the 57th birthday of General Secretary Kim Jong Il.
Ho Jong Man, chief vice-chairman of the central standing committee of the General Association of Korean Residents In Japan (Chongryon), made a report at the meeting.
He said that the last 5-year-long revolutionary history of the respected Marshal Kim Jong Il after the death of the great leader Generalissimo Kim Il Sung has fully demonstrated the Marshal's noble trait and distinguished feats as a great statesman, outstanding military strategist and a benevolent father of the people. The Marshal is the destiny of the Korean nation and the symbol of the victory and glory of the socialist cause, the cause of Juche, the reporter noted.
He further said: Only victory and glory are in store for Chongryon and Koreans in Japan who are advancing with concerted efforts under the wise leadership of the Marshal. He called for vigorously advancing with the firm conviction of victory under the Marshal's leadership. A congratulatory message of the Chongryon central standing committee to the Marshal was read out at the meeting.
That day a banquet was given to celebrate his 57th birthday.
Hong Song Nam meets leading members of Korean Art Troupe in Japan
Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- Premier of the cabinet Hong Song Nam on Tuesday met and conversed with leading members and major actors and actresses of the Korean Art Troupe in Japan led by Kim Hong Chol, head of the Kumgangsan Opera Troupe under Chongryon (General Association of Korean Residents In Japan) which has come here to celebrate February 16.
Reception for overseas Koreans
Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- A reception was given here on Tuesday in honor of overseas Koreans in celebration of the 57th birthday of General Secretary Kim Jong Il.
Speeches were made at the reception.
Head of the congratulatory group of Koreans in Japan So Man Sul, first vice-chairman of the central standing committee of the General Association of Korean Residents In Japan (Chongryon), said that to highly praise the respected Marshal Kim Jong Il as the sun of the 21st century is a trend of history and the unanimous aspiration of humankind.
He further noted: Only when we trust and follow the Marshal can we overcome any ordeals and a bright way will open ahead of us. This is the patriotic faith cherished by overseas Koreans in Japan together with the people in the homeland.
Head of the congratulatory group of the confederation of Korean nationals in China Choe Chong San said that Kim Jong Il, giving on-site guidance to People's Army units, has grown it into a matchless army, made the whole country permeated with the spirit of Kanggye and lit the torch of advance at the Songjin Steel Complex. And he set this year as a year of a great turning-point for building a powerful nation and is wisely leading the struggle for its materialization.
Jon Sun Yong, head of the congratulatory group of the Federation of Koreans In Canada, stressed that overseas Koreans will vigorously take the road of patriotism for the country's reunification, prosperity and development, deeply cherishing the pride of Kim Il Sung's nation in having Marshal Kim Jong Il.
Head of the congratulatory group of the International United Confederation of Koreans Jo Yun Hae said that they, together with the people in the homeland, would make a tangible contribution to reunifying the country and building a powerful socialist nation, bearing deep in mind the absolute worship and loyalty to General Secretary Kim Jong Il.
An art performance was given by artistes in Pyongyang at the reception.
Gifts, floral basket and congratulatory letter to Kim Jong Il
Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) - General Secretary Kim Jong Il received a gift and a congratulatory letter from Claudio Campos, secretary general of the October 8 Revolutionary Movement of Brazil, a floral basket and a gift from the Communist Party of Ireland (Marxism-Leninism), a gift from the Funcinpec Party of Cambodia, a gift from a delegation of the Unified Communist Party of Italy and a gift from the director general of the International Institute of the Juche Idea and his party on the occasion of his birthday. The gifts, congratulatory letter and floral basket were handed to officials concerned.
Camping begins at Jangjasan children's camp
Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- The first camping started at the Jangjasan children's camp this year on the occasion of the auspicious February holiday. The camp is located in Jagang Province. School children across the country will spend joyful days at the camp. A ceremony for starting the camping took place on Feb. 16.
Congratulatory group of Koreans in Japan visits 3rd Kimjongilia show
Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- A congratulatory group of Korean residents in Japan led by So Man Sul, first vice-chairman of the central standing committee of the General Association of Korean Residents In Japan, on a visit to socialist homeland, visited the 3rd Kimjongilia show on Feb. 16, the 57th birthday of General Secretary Kim Jong Il. Members of the group saw with deep emotion Kimjongilia in full bloom presented by many units and people of various social standings across the country and foreigners. On the same day, foreign party delegations and delegates on a visit to Korea visited the show.
Art performances given to celebrate Kim Jong Il's birthday
Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- Art performances were given at theatres here on Tuesday to celebrate the 57th birthday of General Secretary Kim Jong Il.
Seeing the performances were Kim Yong Nam, Ri Jong Ok, Pak Song Chol, Jo Myong Rok and other senior party and state officials.
Overseas compatriots including So Man Sul, first vice-chairman of the central standing committee of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, were also present.
Invited to them were foreign delegations and guests on a visit to Korea and foreign diplomatic envoys and embassy officials to Korea.
The numbers included a chorus of the revolutionary hymn "Song of General Kim Jong Il," a female sextet and chorus "Our general is best" and an orchestra "Thunder on Jong Il Peak."
Performers represented well the great honor and joy of the Korean people and the world's revolutionary people in splendidly celebrating February 16 as the greatest national holiday and a great event common to humankind. They also demonstrated the steadfast faith and indomitable will of the Korean people to build a powerful socialist nation of Juche on this land without fail.
Foreign party delegations arrive
Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- A delegation of the Party for Peace and Unity of Russia led by chairperson Sazhi Umalatova, chairman of the People's Front of Workers, Peasants and Students of Peru Genaro Ledesma Izquieta, and a delegation of the Arab Socialist Baath Party of Syria headed by Ahmad Kabalan, member of the Regional Leadership and director of the Peasants Department of the Party, arrived here on Tuesday to celebrate the birthday of General Secretary Kim Jong Il. They were met at the airport by secretary Kim Ki Nam of the Central Committee of the Worker's Party of Korea.
Foreign party delegations arrive
Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- The Central Committee of the Worker's Party of Korea gave a banquet at the Mokran House on Tuesday evening to mark the birthday of General Secretary Kim Jong Il.
Present on invitation were visiting delegations of the Party for Peace and Unity of Russia, the Bangladesh People's League, the Unified Communist Party of Italy and the Syrian Arab Socialist Baath Party, the general secretary of the Communist Party of Ireland (Marxism-Leninism), the chairman of the People's Front of Workers, Peasants and Students of Peru, the delegate of the Romanian Socialist Party, the delegate of the Funcinpec Party of Cambodia, the delegate of the October 8 Revolutionary Movement of Brazil, the director general of the International Institute of the Juche Idea and his associates, the delegation of Japanese Teachers for Japan-DPRK Friendship, the chairman of the Shigoku Juche Idea Study Society of Japan, the delegation of the Liberal Women's Intellectual Fund of Mongolia, delegations to the 3rd Kimjongilia show and other foreign guests.
Choe Thae Bok, alternate politburo member and secretary of the WPK Central Committee, addressed the banquet.
He said one of the most brilliant exploits performed by the respected Kim Jong Il in the course of leading the Korean Revolution is that he strengthened the Worker's Party of Korea into a Juche-type revolutionary party and invincible steel-like party that does not waver in any storm and stress.
Kim Jong Il's Juche-oriented idea and theory represent the guiding principle of the WPK. His mode of politics is that of the WPK and the wholehearted unity around him constitutes that of the WPK, Choe Thae Bok said, adding that the Worker's Party and people of Korea would smash the imperialists' anti-DPRK, anti-socialist moves and build a powerful socialist state in Korea under his wise leadership.
The secretary of the WPK Central Committee said national reunification is the supreme desire of the Korean people and the supreme task of the Korean nation. The historic cause of national reunification will certainly be achieved with concerted efforts of the nation through the implementation of the 3 major charters of reunification and the five-point policy of great national unity under the leadership of Kim Jong Il, the secretary pointed out.
He said the WPK would work hard as ever to strengthen friendship and unity with all progressives of the world who advocate anti-imperialism, independence and socialism and to build a new world, independent and peaceful.
The floor was also taken by Sazhi Umalatova, head of the delegation of the Party for Peace and Unity of Russia Garib Newaz, head of the delegation of the Bangladesh People's League and Eduardo Fernandez, delegate of the October 8 Revolutionary Movement of Brazil.
The banquet participants enjoyed a performance given by artistes in Pyongyang.
Condolences to widow of Ariji secretary general
Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, President of the presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, on Monday sent a message of condolence to the widow of secretary general of the Asian Regional Institute of the Juche Idea (Ariji) Govind Narain Srivastava upon his unexpected death from illness. The message said the late Srivastava was a prominent social activist who had grown to be an ardent adherent of the Juche idea under the loving care of the great leaders President Kim Il Sung and Marshal Kim Jong Il and devotedly worked for independence of India and the world. He was also a close friend of the Korean people and the Juche idea followers of the world, it added. His death is, indeed, a big loss for all the adherents of the Juche idea working hard to realize humankind's cause of independence, the message said. It went on: Though he passed away, his feats for global independence will remain long in the hearts of the Korean people and the world's progressives.
Secretary Kim Jung Rin meets Brazilian guest
Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) - Kim Jung Rin, secretary of the Worker's Party of Korea Central Committee, today met and conversed with Eduardo Fernandez, international secretary of the October 8 Revolutionary Movement of Brazil who is visiting Korea as a representative of the movement. At the meeting Fernandez said that he witnessed the heroic struggle of the Korean people who are running at a canter on a steed under the wise guidance of the great Kim Jong Il, and could keenly feel their pride and happiness in having the great leader. He expressed the belief that the Korean people, closely rallied around Kim Jong Il, would make greater success in the efforts to build Korean-style socialism.