8th Int'l Figure-Skating Festival for "Paektusan Cup" closes
Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- The 8th International Figure-Skating Festival for "Paektusan Cup", which opened on Sunday on the occasion of General Secretary Kim Jong Il's birthday, closed on Wednesday.
Present at the closing ceremony were Pak Song Chol, honorary vice-President of the presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, and other senior party and state officials.
Invited there were officials of foreign embassies here.
Prizes were given to excellent figure-skaters at the ceremony.
The following figure-skaters were placed first: men's single: Han Jong In (DPRK),women's single: Stepanova Olga (Russia),pair: An Yong Hui and Rim Thae Jun (DPRK),ice dance: Szucyarto Bianca and Sari Tamas (Hungary).
Technical prizes went to figure-skaters who showed excellent techniques in the festival.
The closing ceremony was followed by a group ice dance of Korean figure-skaters and exhibition presentations of foreign figure-skaters who gave a good account of themselves in the festival.
The festival organizing committee gave a reception for the participants on Wednesday evening.
Kim Jong Il's work published in Cuba
Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) - General Secretary Kim Jong Il's famous work "Our Socialism Centred On the Masses Shall Not Perish" was published in book form on Feb. 8 by the Academia Publishing House of Cuba on the occasion of his birthday.
Friendly gathering with members of Mongolian delegation
Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- Officials of the Korean Democratic Women's Union held a friendly gathering with members of a delegation of the Liberal Women's Intellectual Fund of Mongolia headed by executive member I. Ganshyag in Pyongyang on Wednesday. The participants talked with each other about the activities and experiences of the two women's organizations, deepening feelings of friendship.
Great man of extraordinary ability
Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- A lot of anecdotes about General Secretary Kim Jong Il of extraordinary ability can be heard in Korea.
He gave on-site guidance to the National Academy of Sciences on January 11. At a laboratory scientists were to inform him of integrated circuits production process and the efficiency of supercomputer equipment. He took a glance at the laboratory and explained in detail technical process and equipment, as well as the world trend and direction of their development and indicated a solution of a knotty problem.
His profound knowledge struck them with admiration.
He had extensive knowledge and distinguished ability in his boyhood. Young as he was, he indicated a truth that one added to one made one larger than the original one, as well as two. He also held out a reason for the lack of a black flower. In his junior middle school days he assiduously read books of science and technology of various kingdoms to capture the tower of knowledge built by humankind. In those days his bookshelf was stacked with books of social science, including philosophy, economics and history, military books, books of natural sciences and technical books such as electricity, machine and metal and literary books.
While directing an orchestra of an art troupe, he caught a chromatic interval of a musical instrument, which a conductor could not. When experts failed to find a solution as regards the load of a steel beam of a structure which was being built on an expansion basis, he told them to use light metal.
Numerous are anecdotes about his rare ability.
Korea owes its recent successful launch of an artificial satellite "Kwangmyongsong 1," the first in the nation's history, and new turning-points in various domains of the national economy to the concrete guidance of Kim Jong Il gifted with a rare brain.
S. Korean warmonger's remarks under fire
Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- South Korean Defence Minister Chon Yong Thaek recently toured "ROK army" units allegedly to "examine their preparedness" during which he described the DPRK as a "sub-barracks state." Worse still, he let loose venomous remarks that the north's proposal for high-level talks is a "gesture which has been taken on the eve of provocation" and that the north would remain a "principal enemy until it abandons its design to unify the country through communization."
Commenting on his bellicose remarks, a news analyst of Rodong Sinmun today says: We cannot remain a passive onlooker to the fact that Chon Yong Thaek, ignorant of aspirations of the nation, recklessly slandered the north's system, branding the fellow countrymen as "principal enemy."
The South Korean rulers are the very ones who seek only provocation they are persisting in anti-north confrontation and war moves, turning a deaf ear to the offer of the fellow countrymen in the north for peaceful reunification.
Some time ago, the chief executive of South Korea hurled mud at the north and cried that the country would not be "reunified during his term of office."
Their provocative remarks going against the north's new landmark proposal for reunification-oriented dialogue eloquently prove that they have no will for dialogue and reunification.
What is all the more unpardonable is Chon Yong Thaek's renewed defamation of the north's system.
Neither the improvement of relations between the north and the south nor inter-Korean relations can be expected as long as such anti-north elements of the worst type as Chon Yong Thaek remain in the upper military echelon of South Korea.
If the South Korean rulers refuse to give up their policy of confrontation with the north, they will have to take full responsibilities for all its grave consequences.
Traitors vie with one another to visit U.S. and Japan
Pyongyang, February, 18 (KCNA) -- The ruling and opposition parties of South Korea announced their plans for U.S. and Japan tours almost at the same time on February 13, according to a radio report from Seoul. The "National Congress for New Politics," the ruling party, is reportedly to send a delegation headed by the acting president to the United States for a week long visit from the end of February and the president of the "Grand National Party," an opposition party, will visit the United States and Japan for a week from March 9. The two parties are scheduled to have huddles over "cooperation" and "security" with their masters. Earlier, president of the "United Liberal Democrats" Pak Thae Jun left for Japan on Sunday.
Poem praising Kim Jong Il written by Russian
Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- Matuveichuk Igory Vasiliyevich, a Russian, wrote a poem "Lodestar of Paektu" in praise of General Secretary Kim Jong Il. The poem praises General Secretary Kim Jong Il, the leader of the nation and peerlessly brilliant commander, as the star of the nation who secured a shining victory even under manifold difficulties and brought happiness to Korea. With the birth of a brilliant lodestar of Paektu, a great man of our planet, his exploits are eulogized as a beautiful song and his talents are soaring higher, the poem says, and stresses: The birthday of Kim Jong Il is an auspicious anniversary in reality as well as in name and a holiday common to all the progressive humankind who have grasped the justness of the Juche idea. The Korean people led by him will advance toward a bright future.
Korean books presented to different countries
Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- Ceremonies for presenting Korean books were held at the building of the Funcinpec Party of Cambodia and the building of the Popular Action Party of Peru on February 10 on the occasion of 57th birthday of General Secretary Kim Jong Il. Famous works of the President Kim Il Sung and General Secretary Kim Jong Il and other Korean books were conveyed by Korean ambassadors to Cambodia and Peru.
Tol Loah, general secretary of the Funcinpec Party, deputy prime minister and Minister for Education, Youth and Sports, said all party members would study these books regularly to be benefited by a wealth of experiences of the Workers' Party of Korea in party building and those of the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in state construction. Deputy national secretary general of the Popular Action Party of Peru Javier Sarmiento Camino said senior officials and members of his party would make a deep study of the books.
Intolerable pro-Japanese flunkeyism
Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- Pak Thae Jun, president of the "United Liberal Democrats," at talks with the speakers of the Japanese houses of representatives and councilors on Monday now on Japanese tour expressed "thanks" to the Japanese side for the signing of a new "fisheries accord" with South Korea, said a radio report from Seoul. According to the "accord," fishing waters of South Korea has been transferred to the Japanese side and an annual loss of South Korean fishermen is estimated at 1,072.5 billion won, said the South Korean press. Tok Island, an inalienable territory of Korea, has been, in fact, sold to the Japanese side. To the nation's surprise, Pak Thae Jun expressed "thanks" to the Japanese side for this accord. He also begged for giving "suffrage" to Koreans in Japan, betraying his treacherous attempt to assimilate them to the Japanese.
Letter to Kim Jong Il from Peru
Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- A letter to General Secretary Kim Jong Il was adopted at a Latin American regional seminar on Kim Jong Il's exploits for national reunification which was held in Peru on Jan. 28. The letter, remembering the President Kim Il Sung who devoted all his life to the work for reunification of Korea, expressed full support to the policies of national reunification clarified by General Secretary Kim Jong Il, saying these are patriotic policies placing interest of the nation above anything else and realistic and reasonable policies in which the principle of national independence has been embodied.
It stressed that the driving force of national reunification has been prepared and practical ways indicated and a shortcut to national reunification opened thanks to the immortal feats of Kim Jong Il for Korea's reunification. It manifested their pledge to introduce and propagandize his five-point policy of great national unity and other proposals for Korea's reunification and his immortal leadership exploits and conduct a vigorous international solidarity movement for supporting the Korean people's struggle for reunification.
Many poems and lyrics created in Korea
Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- Nearly 300 poems and words of songs were created in the DPRK in a little more than one month this year.
"My heart," "Bright future before us," "the Year 1999 will be more beautiful," and other poems show the fixed will of the Korean people to step up the second grand march of Chollima and build a powerful socialist nation, overcoming manifold difficulties and trials.
Other poems "Chollima, fly," " When asked by time" and "We are advancing towards future" portray on a high ideological and artistic level the noble spiritual world of young builders who are performing exploits at major construction sites including the Pyongyang-Nampho Express Highway.
Poems on anti-American and patriotic themes are "On land of indignation," "U.S. imperialists, remember your misdeed" and "Heroic Height."
More than 100 lyrics including "Let us devote our hearts to motherland," "Image of Father," and "Echo of Mt. Chilbo" are also created.
The works greatly encourage the Korean people to run at a canter in order to let this year mark a turning-point in building a powerful nation.
February 16 holiday celebrated
Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- The 57th birthday of General Secretary Kim Jong Il was significantly celebrated in Korea.
Art performances were given at theatres, palaces and halls in the capital and in local areas between Feb. 15 and 17.
The performances represented the infinite honor of the Korean people in having Kim Jong Il as their tender-hearted father of the country, a big family, and their faith and will to build a powerful socialist nation on this land.
Story-telling pieces prepared by national art propaganda troupes and an exhibition presentation of synchronized swimming for celebrating February 16 holiday took place in Pyongyang on Feb. 14.
Celebrations also included oratorical and story-telling meetings held by members of national students and children's palaces and halls at the Pyongyang School Children's Palace.
An endless stream of working people from all walks of life, officers and men of the Korean People's Army, public security men, youth and students, overseas compatriots, foreign diplomatic envoys and embassy officials and foreign guests visited the third Kimjongilia show which opened on Feb. 13.
The number of visitors reached over 30,000 in the day of Feb. 16 alone.
The native home of the great leader in Mt. Paektu secret camp was visited by expeditionary groups of working people of all strata from across the country on the occasion of February holiday.
After looking round the revolutionary historic relics preserved in the native home, they held meetings to renew their loyalty and pledge, meetings to give impressions, sports and amusements and other colorful events.
Talks between WPK delegation and Syrian counterpart
Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- Talks between the delegations of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and the Arab Socialist Baath Party of Syria were held here today.
At the talks both sides informed each other of their party activities and exchanged views on developing the friendly and cooperative relations between the two parties and a series of issues of common concern.
Present at the talks were Choe Thae Bok, alternate member of the political bureau and secretary of the WPK Central Committee, other officials concerned, members of the 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, and Bassam Al-Haj Hussein, Syrian charge d'affaires ad interim to our country.
Kim Jung Rin meets delegation of Bangladesh People's League
Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- Secretary of the C.C., the Workers' Party of Korea Kim Jung Rin met today the delegation of the Bangladesh People's League led by President Garib Newaz on a visit to the DPRK and conversed with it.
On the occasion the head of the delegation said that Korea under the leadership of Kim Jong Il is dignified as an ideologically powerful nation and a militarily powerful nation and that he is confident Korea will be an economically powerful nation before long.
He stressed that the great Kim Jong Il is a symbol of socialist victory and he is wisely guiding the struggle of the progressive people of the world for socialism.
Kim Yong Nam meets foreign guests
Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, member of the political bureau of the C.C., the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and President of the presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, met and had a conversation with Rod Eley, general secretary of the Communist Party of Ireland (Marxist-Leninist), at the Mansudae Assembly Hall today.
Eley said that the WPK and the Korean people, firmly rallied around the great leader Kim Jong Il, are achieving great successes in socialist construction through this monolithic unity.
Thanks to Kim Jong Il the Korean socialism is being firmly defended and growing stronger to be an invincible bulwark despite moves of the imperialist reactionary forces to isolate and stifle the DPRK, he said.
Kim Yong Nam also met and had talks with the delegation of the Arab Socialist Baath Party of Syria led by Ahmad Kabalan, member of the regional leadership and director of the Peasants Department of Party.
Kim Jong Il writes to pupils and students
Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) - General Secretary Kim Jong Il sent his autographs to pupils and students in Reply to their letters.
The pupils and students were Hwang Kwang Myong in the third year of Pyongyang Mangyongdae Primary School, brothers Ji Yong Hyok and Ji Jong Hyok in the fifth and fourth years of Hoechang Senior Middle School in South Phyongan Province, and Kim Su Jong in the third year of the primary course of Jehyon Senior Middle School in Unsan County, South Phyongan Province.
His autograph addressed to Hwang Kwang Myong is as follows:
"I hope you will become an excellent star of percussion instrument playing.
February 10, 1999
Kim Jong Il."
His another autograph addressed to Ji Yong Hyok, Ji Jong Hyok and Kim Su Jong is:
"You are admirable.
February 10, 1999
Kim Jong Il."
In their letters to Kim Jong Il, the pupils and students expressed thanks and pledge of loyalty to him who saw to it that they could carry out their wishes and display their talents to the full.
Hwang is now bringing his talent into full bloom as a percussion instrument player of the light music circle at the Mangyongdae Schoolchildren's Palace.
The two Jis, who are called little writers for their good art of composition, already presented to Kim Jong Il collections of compositions and words of songs written by them carrying loyalty to him. They won "'Our Classroom' Literary Prize" several times while 20 odd works of their writings were published by media.
This time the brothers sent to him their letter enclosed with words of songs written by them.
Kim Su Jong composed 31 songs on Kim Jong Il before creating the song "Wish of the Flower-Buds" on the occasion of the February holiday this year.
The little composer presented the words and music of this song to Kim Jong Il.