Celebrations held in different countries
Pyongyang, December 28 (KCNA) -- Functions were held in different countries to mark the 8th anniversary of the great leader Kim Jong Il's election as Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army and the 82nd birth anniversary of Kim Jong Suk.
Speakers at the seminar on the Juche idea held in Rome on Dec. 22 said that as the Korean people have the Juche idea as their guiding idea they are making great successes in building a powerful socialist nation even under the difficult conditions.
Saying the Juche idea is a textbook of the revolution and construction that should be studied by parties of all the countries which are making revolution, they referred to the need to deeply study and grasp the Juche idea and widely disseminate it.
A function was held at the DPRK embassy in Moscow on Dec. 23 with the chairman of the Council of the Union of Communist Parties-the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, and other personages of political and public circles and men of the press of Russia attending.
Korean book and photo exhibitions were held in Tajikistan and China on Dec. 14 respectively.
Greetings exchanged between DPRK and Cambodia
Pyongyang, December 28 (KCNA) -- DPRK Foreign Minister Paek Nam Sun exchanged messages of greetings with his Cambodian counterpart Hor Nam Hong on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the opening of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Paek Nam Sun in the message said that the friendship between the two countries is very noble and sincere one for it is based on the exceptional intimacy and fraternal obligation between the great leader Kim Il Sung and the respected King Norodom Sihanouk.
He noted that over the last 35 years since the opening of diplomatic relations the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries have steadily consolidated and developed despite all sorts of ordeal of history.
Expressing the belief that the ties of fraternal friendship, cooperation and solidarity between the two countries would continue to strengthen he sincerely wished his counterpart new success in his responsible work for defending the country's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and the national reconstruction.
Hor Nam Hong in his message stressed that Cambodia will always support the DPRK's policy for the peaceful solution of the Korean issue.
Wishing the Korean people more brilliant victory, he hoped that the excellent friendly relations between the two peoples would consolidate and develop forever.
Japan's impertinent remarks flailed
Pyongyang, December 28 (KCNA) -- Such impertinent remarks of Japan as a statement issued by the Japanese Foreign Minister as regards the signing of the basic contract on the construction of Light Water Reactors (LWR) under the DPRK-U.S. agreed framework are intended to serve its sinister political purpose, says Rodong Sinmun today in a signed commentary.
The commentary goes on:
Japan's frequent tongue-wagging is motivated by her foolish design to put a brake on the LWR construction in order to lay hurdles in it and improve her image in the forthcoming DPRK-Japan talks and wrest a concession from the DPRK.
It is also intended to continue charging the DPRK with "nuclear suspicion" and speed up her nuclear armament under that pretext.
Japan should have a correct understanding of the LWR construction.
As the DPRK has already made clear, the DPRK-U.S. agreed framework requires a simultaneous action on the part of both sides. Japan is certainly aware of what consequences would be entailed by the delay of the LWR construction.
The Japanese reactionaries should bear in mind the irrevocable grave consequences of their indiscreet behaviour.
S. Korean authorities' inhuman attitude condemned
Pyongyang, December 28 (KCNA) -- A spokesman for the north headquarters of the National Alliance for the Country's Reunification (Pomminryon) issued a statement on Dec. 27 condemning the South Korean authorities for blocking the medical treatment in Pyongyang of Kim Ryang Mu, permanent vice-chairman of its south headquarters, who is at the crossroads of life and death.
The north headquarters of Pomminryon took steps to send precious medicines needed for the treatment of Kim Ryang Mu and receive him so that he may be treated by a medical institution of our side but the South Korean authorities turned down this compatriotic measure under an absurd pretext.
The spokesman said: The north headquarters of Pomminryon sternly denounces the South Korean authorities' attitude as an unpardonable act against humanity and savage brutality of trampling down people's elementary right to existence and demands.
The South Korean authorities are under an obligation to pay greater attention to his treatment than anybody else and provide him with every condition for it because his illness was caused by their brutal torture to which he was put by them while he was serving prison terms several times on false charges, although he devoted himself to the patriotic reunification movement.
The north headquarters of Pomminryon will make every effort to realize Kim Ryang Mu's treatment in Pyongyang from a compatriotic and humanitarian stand, the statement noted.
Statement of spokesman for c.c. of UAWK
Pyongyang, December 28 (KCNA) -- A spokesman for the c.c. of the Union of Agricultural Workers of Korea released a statement Monday supporting the South Korean peasants actively joining in the workers' vigorous struggle for the right to existence and democracy now under way throughout South Korea.
The second mass rally held by more than 50 dissident organizations including the South Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) and the South Korean Federation of University Student Councils (Hanchongryon) at the Seoul Station Plaza on Dec. 10 showed the positive development that the South Korean Peasants' Confederation also participated in it to merge their voice with that of the workers demanding the solution of wage problem, reduction of working hours and so on and that the workers and peasants stand alongside in ranks of struggle, the spokesman noted, and continued:
The people from all walks of life including workers, peasants and students rose in a struggle submitting to the South Korean authorities 11-point demand including the discontinuation of lay-off, reduction of working hours, solution of the issue of peasants' debts and defence of economic sovereignty. This is an expression of unbearable resentment and resistance to the vicious predatory policy and anti-social policy of the present ruling quarters styling themselves representatives of the "people's government."
The c.c., UAWK bitterly condemns in the name of all the agricultural workers the South Korean rulers for suppressing the South Korean people's just struggle for the right to existence and democracy at the point of bayonet, the spokesman stressed.
S. Korean Navy schemes to form "commando brigade"
Pyongyang, December 28 (KCNA) -- The South Korean Navy decided to form a "commando brigade" in coming January, according to a radio report from Seoul.
In this connection the South Korean war hawks disclosed on December 26 that they planned to form a "commando brigade" by reinforcing manpower and equipment with the "underwater explosion" unit belonging to the Jinhae operational command as its mother body and its commander is informally designated.
They asserted that they decided to organize the brigade as small submarines, transport means for the "underwater explosion" unit, were replaced by large ones and the operational sphere widened.
This clearly reveals how desperate they have become in their preparations for a war against the north in a bid to aggravate the tensions between the north and the south in the New Year.
S. Korean rulers to promote "security dialogue" with U.S.
Pyongyang, December 28 (KCNA) -- The South Korean authorities decided to promote the South Korea-U.S. "dialogue on security," a working-level consultative mechanism, in a bid to develop their "security alliance" on the occasion of the New Year, according to a radio report from Seoul.
They are planning to hold the first meeting toward the end of January next year.
The full-dress dialogue will take place in accordance with the agreement reached between Jo Song Thae, South Korean "Minister of National Defense," and Cohen, the U.S. Defense Secretary, at the South Korea-U.S. "annual security consultative meeting."
The first meeting is to focus on several issues such as character of "security alliance" in every phase including the "co-existence of hostile forces" in the inter-Korean relations and reunification and the issue of strengthening the function of the U.S. forces present in South Korea.
The South Korean authorities are making desperate efforts to perpetuate the U.S. military occupation of South Korea and indefinitely block the road of reunification under the pretext of "joint step."
Great man Kim Jong Il
Pyongyang, December 28 (KCNA) -- Irina Pirogova, commentator of the Russian paper Patriot, issued an article captioned "Great man Kim Jong Il."
She in the article noted that leader Kim Jong Il is an inspirer, organizer and guide of all victories of the Korean people and a matchless, distinguished brilliant commander.
She continued:
He is closely linked with the popular masses for his popular traits which characterize his greatness.
He is possessed of all qualifications and talents that a great man should possess. His unique creative plan is embodied in monumental edifices of modern Korean architecture, which has adorned Pyongyang, the capital, and the whole country arousing people's great admiration.
His leadership reaches all aspects of social life. He attaches great importance to the work for stepping up the party and state building, developing the economy and strengthening defence capabilities of the country.
Under the present difficult situation in which the DPRK should build socialism single-handedly, surrounded by the imperialist allied forces, Marshal Kim Jong Il pursues the army-first policy of putting forward the army as a pillar and pushing ahead with the socialist cause as a whole.
This policy is a farsighted one that guarantees the future of the country and people with credit.
He is, indeed, a distinguished man of versatile knowledge and many talents.
He is a symbol of the invincibility of the Juche idea who puts forth the unimaginable and unprecedented tasks according to the Juche-based principles and solves them with superb wisdom and iron will.
Indeed, Kim Jong Il is the great sun produced by the era and humankind and the great guide of the history who will glorify the 21st century.
Pyongyang boasts sports complexes
Pyongyang, December 28 (KCNA) -- Gymnasiums and stadiums in Chongchun Street of Pyongyang are sports complexes widely used by sportsmen at home and abroad and amateurs.
They were built in Juche 77 (1988). They cover more than 1.75 million square metres.
Their total floor space is about 267,000 square metres and their seating capacity is over 50,600.
There are 11 gymnasiums and 3 stadiums for football, basketball and volleyball, etc.
40 sports games in 20 events can be held there simultaneously.
Gymnasiums and stadiums are fully furnished with facilities for sports activities, training and spectators' convenience.
Many national and international games took place there this year.
The basketball gymnasium witnessed more than 130 national matches and 10 odd international ones.
The 13th Pyongyang International Invitational Table-Tennis Tournament was held at the table-tennis gymnasium from September 30 to October 3 with the attendance of paddlers from China, Mongolia, India, Iran, Japan as well as the DPRK.
Taekwon-do coaches and trainees at home and abroad held matches and training in the Taekwon-do hall.
A lot of people visit there every day to build up their bodies.
Such big national games as sports contest for "Paektusan Cup," sports contest for "Mangyongdae Cup" and national championships take place there every year.
Almost all the famous sports men and women of the DPRK were produced there.
Jong Song Ok, the world's marathon queen and heroine of the republic also cultivated her strength, bravery, resourcefulness, and grit there.
Many top-notch players such as Pae Kil Su and Jang Kyong Ok, labour hero and heroine and people's athletes, and Kim Il and Kye Sun Hui, people's athletes, cultivated strength and improved sports technique there.
Number of animals sharply increases at Central Zoo
Pyongyang, December 28 (KCNA) -- This year witnessed an increase of 1,650 animals of 70 species at the Central Zoo in the DPRK, drawing attention of visitors.
Among them are over 100 animals of 20 species which were sent there by the great leader Kim Jong Il who has always worked hard to bring a happy and cheerful life to the people.
They include dogs, monkeys and birds.
Meek and well-domesticated Italian parrot laid eggs producing ten young parrots at the beginning and the end of this year respectively while dogs gave birth to several puppies.
An egg of white-naped crane hatched out for the first time in 40 years drawing special attention of ornithologists.
This year an Australian ostrich also laid an egg for the first time in nearly 20 years.
Repatriation of unconverted long-term prisoners urged
Pyongyang, December 28 (KCNA) -- The secretariat of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland (CPRF) issued information bulletin no. 798 yesterday denouncing the South Korean authorities for having illegally walked away an unconverted long-term prisoner, Kim Ryong Thaek, on his way to Seoul to see the "basketball game for reunification."
The bulletin said that it was quite natural for the unconverted long-term prisoners who have devoted all their lives to the reunification of the country to view the "basketball game for reunification." There was no reason to suppress them, the bulletin said, and went on:
This incident is not confined only to restricting Kim's freedom of activities. It betrays the South Korean rulers' anti-national, anti-reunification intention to block contact and dialogue between compatriots of the north and the south, disliking the "basketball game for reunification" itself.
The CPRF secretariat scathingly condemns the South Korean rulers' recent act as an unpardonable fascist suppression of unconverted long-term prisoners and as a premeditated crime intended to incite the north-south confrontation.
If the South Korean rulers continue committing anti-national crimes going against the sweeping advance of the entire nation towards reunification, they will be severely punished by history.
They should stop immediately the political persecution and suppression of the unconverted long-term prisoners and repatriate them to the DPRK without delay according to the unanimous demand of the people at home and abroad.
Rodong Sinmun on Korean-nation-first spirit
Pyongyang, December 28 (KCNA) -- Rodong Sinmun today devotes an article to the 10th anniversary of the publication of the great leader Kim Jong Il's immortal work "Let Us Highly Display the Korean-Nation-First Spirit."
The article says that the work published by Kim Jong Il on December 28, Juche 78 (1989) comprehensively clarifies the essence and the content of the Korean-nation-first spirit and the tasks and ways to highly display the spirit.
The Korean people are now vigorously accelerating the general march to build a powerful socialist nation, taking the Korean-nation-first spirit as their firm faith, the article says, and continues:
This trait of the Korean people finds an expression, above all, in that they are devotedly working to exalt the greatness of the nation with ardent patriotic enthusiasm.
Jong Song Ok ran the distance of 42.195 km with persevering will to win the world women's marathon championship and the young builders are vigorously struggling to build such great monumental edifices as Pyongyang-Nampho Motorway even under the most difficult conditions.
It is also manifested in that the Korean people are doing everything their own way with high national self-respect.
They have solved all the problems in the revolution, construction and social life as required by the Juche idea, regarding the line and policies of the Worker's Party of Korea as a unique guideline.
They are revitalizing the economy by their method suited to their specific conditions, not depending on others.
It is the firm stand of the WPK and people to categorically reject what is not suited to their specific conditions. This is strictly applicable to all fields from the nation-building to every day spoken and written language and moral life.
This trait is also expressed in that they are determinedly overcoming all trials and difficulties by relying on their own efforts.
Despite indescribably arduous trials during the past "arduous march" they have revitalized the economy with their own resources and technique and increased self-reliant defence capability relying on the solid foundation of their defence industry.
Underlying all the successes made by them in the spirit of self-reliance in the past is the Korean-nation-first spirit.
Year of mounting struggle to democratize international community
Pyongyang, December 28 (KCNA) -- This year witnessed the ever-intensified struggle of the world progressive mankind for the democratization of the international community, says Rodong Sinmun today in a signed article.
This year progressive countries of the world have strongly condemned the imperialists for violating the sovereignty of an independent state, the article says, and goes on:
Many countries of the world including China, Russia and India called for an immediate halt to the NATO's air raids on Yugoslavia, strongly condemning it as the high-handed practice of ignoring the territorial integrity of an independent state and the UN.
Such voices rang out more loudly from the 54th UN General Assembly.
Recalling that the demand for a democratic reform of the UN grew even stronger, the article continues:
Asserting that it is important for the democratic reform of the UN to increase the authority of the General Assembly and reorganize the Security Council, many countries have insisted that the General Assembly should have the mandate to discuss such important problems as ensuring global peace and security and finally examine major resolutions of the security council including sanctions and the use of armed forces.
At the same time, there rang out loud voices demanding that the Security Council be reformed in such a way as to ensure an equal representation of all regions in it and an utmost transparency of its activities.
It is an important lesson to be drawn from the struggle this year for the democratization of the international community that the world people should never allow any privilege and arbitrary practice under the uplifted banner of independence but urge the UN and other international organizations to further increase their responsibility and role than ever before, the article concludes.