Letter to KCTU
Pyongyang, February 4 (KCNA) -- The central committee of the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea on Feb. 3 sent a letter to the South Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) calling upon the 10 million South Korean workers to actively join in the work to form a "nationwide ad hoc committee for probing the truth behind the GIs' mass killings."
The letter said: The massacres of innocent civilians by the U.S. aggression troops during the Korean War were a wanton violation of the international treaties and wartime laws and regulations which ban targeting non-combatants. Such an unheard-of criminal act can be committed only by the American cannibals whose mode of existence is aggression, plunder and killings.
The United States is paying lip-service to "investigation" into the mass killings in a bid to flee from its responsibility for them till now when the truth behind them has been probed clearly by testimonies of victims and the declassified secret documents of the U.S. military, far from admitting them. This is an unpardonable mockery and insult to the Korean nation.
Noting that the reality calls on the people to turn out in a nationwide struggle to defend the national dignity, the letter expressed the belief that the KCTU would respond to the appeal of the political parties and organizations in the DPRK and actively join in the work of the north and south to form a "nationwide ad hoc committee for probing the truth behind the GIs' mass killings" by pooling the will of the 10 million workers of South Korea.
Film show on foundation anniversary of Communist Party of Vietnam
Pyongyang, February 4 (KCNA) -- A film show was sponsored by the Korea-Vietnam Friendship Association in Pyongyang on Thursday on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
Invited there were Do Thi Hoa, Vietnamese ambassador to the DPRK, and embassy officials.
Jon Kuk Man, vice-Minister of Education who is also chairman of the association, other officials concerned and working people in the city were present.
The participants appreciated the Vietnamese feature film "Remorse."
Film show and friendship gathering with Cuban embassy officials
Pyongyang, February 4 (KCNA) -- The DPRK Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a film show and a friendship gathering with Cuban ambassador to Korea Jose Manuel Inclan Embade and embassy officials in Pyongyang on Thursday on the occasion of the birthday of General Secretary Kim Jong Il.
Present there were vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Yong Il and officials concerned.
The participants appreciated the Korean documentary film "Under the Great Brilliant Commander" part 12.
And they talked with each other, deepening the feelings of friendship.
Foreign guests visit revolutionary museum of Ministry of Culture
Pyongyang, February 4 (KCNA) -- Diplomatic envoys and embassy officials of Arab countries in Pyongyang visited the Revolutionary Museum of the Ministry of Culture on Thursday on the occasion of the auspicious holiday of February.
The guests looked round historic relics and materials, being briefed on the fact that the great leader Kim Jong Il set forth the unique idea for the development of the Juche-based literature and art and has wisely led it.
And they went round the mock-up location streets of the Korean film studio.
Halt to anti-north war moves demanded
Pyongyang, February 4 (KCNA) -- Pak Kwang Gi, chief of the Pyongyang mission of the National Democratic Front of South Korea (NDFSK), on Thursday called a press conference at the mission as regards the escalating war maneuvers of the South Korean authorities against the north in the New Year.
Pak said: The South Korean authorities made public the "national defence policy guideline for 2000" in which they set it as a main target for this year to "establish perfect defence posture" and decided to spend 5.3 trillion won this year to develop or introduce the latest military equipment from the U.S. and other countries.
The ruling quarters of the self-proclaimed "people's government" have kicked up war hysteria by holding a "security meeting" and a "meeting of commanders of the entire army" one after another to let loose a spate of extremely provocative outbursts and conducting "midwinter tactical exercises" and nocturnal march, etc. In Seoul and other areas.
The arms buildup and war exercises intensified by the warmongers of the "people's government" from the outset of the year are a clear indication that their moves to provoke a war against the north have become more pronounced as days go by.
The Kim Dae Jung group, together with outside forces, are leading the situation to the brink of war defying the aspirations of all the fellow countrymen after national reconciliation and unity, peace and peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula. This is last-ditch efforts to bridge over serious ruling crisis caused by the policy failure and prolong his remaining days, he noted, and continued:
They should immediately stop the criminal moves to provoke a war against the north which only escalate south-north confrontation and tensions and increase the danger of war, and step down as unanimously demanded by the people.
Torch lit at Rakwon Machine Plant
Pyongyang, February 4 (KCNA) -- A torch was lit at the Rakwon Machine Plant of Korea to speed up a new great Chollima advance.
The employees of the plant in North Phyongan Province in the northwestern part of the country met on Feb. 3 to challenge the workers and other working people across the country to a drive.
General Secretary Kim Jong Il put forward the workers of the plant as pacesetters in making a great revolutionary advance.
Giving on-the-spot guidance to the plant on Jan. 27, he said that as it has a glorious history, it should light a new torch following the one lit at the Songjin Steel Works and make all the country hum with greatly increased activities.
The plant has a good tradition of displaying the spirit of devotedly defending the leader and faithfully implementing his instructions.
The President Kim Il Sung directed a general meeting of the Worker's Party of Korea cell of the 10 members at the Rakwon Machine Factory during the grim Fatherland Liberation War (June 1950-july 1953) and visited the workers of the plant before seeing any others whenever the country was confronted with difficult problems after the war and instilled strength and courage into them.
Thanks to the deep love and trust of the President they could make hand grenades with bare hands in the difficult war conditions and manufacture modern machines including water pumps, excavators and deep-boring machines on debris after the war. They never complained about their hard conditions.
An appeal to the workers and other working people across the country was adopted on behalf of the workers of North Phyongan Province at the meeting to light the torch of the Rakwon Machine Plant by displaying the same spirit of devotedly defending the leader as was done by the 10 party members of the Rakwon Machine Factory.
The appeal underscored the need for all the workers and other working people across the country to display to the full the spirit of devotedly defending the leader, the spirit of devotedly implementing the decisions and instructions of the party and the leader and the revolutionary spirit of self-reliance like the 10 party members of the Rakwon Machine Factory and become human rifles and bombs in devotedly defending Kim Jong Il and the standard-bearers and vanguard fighters in the present-day canter march to implement his noble intention without fail.
It called upon all the workers and other working people across the country to glorify the 55th anniversary of the party foundation, to be greeted at a turning point of the century, as a grand festival of victors and thus demonstrate once again the might of Juche Korea to the whole world.
Present at the meeting were Kim Ki Nam, secretary of the WPK Central Committee, Kwak Pom Gi, vice-premier of the cabinet, and others.
Massacres by GIs under fire
Pyongyang, February 4 (KCNA) -- Foreign public vehemently denounced the massacres committed by GIs during the Korean War.
The Center of the Indian Trade Unions in a statement on January 28 said that the mass killings of civilians committed by GIs in the north and the south of Korea during the Korean War are the intentional and premeditated genocide and the anti-ethical crime most wantonly violating the recognized international treaty and wartime laws and regulations.
All international organizations including the UN as well as governmental and non-governmental human rights and juridical organizations should make an overall probe into the truth behind the massacres of civilians by the U.S. and the South Korean authorities during the Korean war and cooperate so positively that genocide committed in the present century may not be repeated in the new century, it noted.
The Arab Lawyers Union in a statement on January 30 asserted that all the massacres committed by GIs under the name and flag of the UN should be investigated and the criminals should be punished by the international law as the nazi war criminals were done.
The Czech newspaper Pravo, the Ugandan newspaper New Times, the Polish newspaper Trybuna and other countries' newspapers carried materials on the massacres committed by GIs during the Korean War.
Preparatory committee formed in S. Korea
Pyongyang, February 4 (KCNA) -- A preparatory committee for celebrating February 16 was inaugurated by members of the Thaeyang Society, Seoul-based radio Voice of National Salvation quoted the Seoul city committee of the National Democratic Front of South Korea as saying.
The chairman of the society who was elected chairman of the preparatory committee said that the birthday of Marshal Kim Jong Il is the most auspicious holiday common to the nation and the committee was inaugurated to significantly mark his birthday.
Saying that the present dignity of the nation and the bright future of a reunified country are in store as led by Kim Jong Il, a great thinker and theoretician, peerlessly brilliant commander and great statesman, he made public an action program on his birthday.
Included in the program were the organizing of sub-committees and arrangement of a lecture, a symposium and other political functions.
Art works giving strength and courage
Pyongyang, February 4 (KCNA) -- The Mansudae Art Studio, a comprehensive center of art creation in Korea, produced many art works giving strength and courage to the working people who are out in the advance this year.
A Korean painting "The Great Leader Comrade Kim Jong Il on Lake Chon of Mt. Paektu" portrays him with a bright smile on his face against the background of Mt. Paektu at sunrise.
Korean paintings "Pushing Through Endless Snowdrifts" and "The Great Marshal on Visit To Hamhung Branch" and a graphic painting "Unfolding a Blueprint of Land Rezoning" show well the noble popular virtues of Kim Jong Il who put forward a slogan "We serve the people " and continues on-the-spot guidance for the people's happiness.
An oil painting "Soldiers of Panmunjom Wait for Us" and a Korean painting "The Marshal Goes To Frontline and Children Leave for Camps" vividly picture the greatness of Supreme Commander Kim Jong Il who turns adversity into favorable conditions and a misfortune into a blessing with his clairvoyant wisdom and unrivalled courage.
These new art works depict the firm faith and will of the Korean people to hold in high esteem and follow the respected leader Kim Jong Il.
The works harden the unshakable faith of the Korean people that victory is sure to come under his leadership.
Anti-candidate campaign
Pyongyang, February 4 (KCNA) -- An anti-candidate campaign is under way in South Korea in the run-up to the "National Assembly election" slated for April.
The anti-candidate movement termed as a "civil revolution" clearly reflects the South Korean people's aspiration after new politics.
The South Korean people called for a fair election whenever a new "National Assembly" election came. But all the "elections" turned out to be unfair and fraudulent ones under the influence of money and power. The "national assemblymen" elected were pro-U.S., pro-Japanese traitors and corrupt and incompetent ones. They were keen on their own interests, betraying the country and the nation in utter disregard of the people's interests.
The "National Assembly" turned into a scene of scuffles. There was a strong opinion in South Korea that the "National Assembly" should be the target of "reform."
It was against this backdrop that the "Citizens' Solidarity for General Elections" (CSGE) was inaugurated on January 12.
It groups more than 420 organizations. Its first target is to defeat a group of 67 candidates.
The CSGE made public another list of 48 disqualified candidates on Feb. 2. The Citizens' Federation for Economic Justice also declared a list of 167 political quacks and high-ranking officials who are not qualified to be candidates.
Recorded in the list are their past careers including their involvement in irregularities and corruption and their scrambles for power.
The Council of the Citizens' Movement for Fair Election grouping 48 organizations and the Young Men's Christian Association, professors' organizations, the South Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and the Federation of South Korean Trade Unions, etc are joining in and solidarizing with the anti-candidate campaign of the CSGE.
The South Korean Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation observed that "inspiring calls, aid funds and elated enthusiasm of citizens to participate in the anti-candidate campaign and the people's desire for new politics represent tremendous strength to put an end to the outdated politics that has lasted for over 50 years."
This campaign is dealing a telling blow to the ruling and opposition politicians and those in power.
It is an opinion gaining ground in the South Korean society that due to this unprecedented anti-candidate campaign the "election" is "likely to be carried out in a way quite different from earlier elections."
Seminar held in Japan
Pyongyang, February 4 (KCNA) -- The year 2000 seminar on independence of Japan and the opening of Japan-DPRK diplomatic relations was held in Yokohama on Jan. 30 under the co-sponsorship of the National Liaison Council of Japan Societies for the Study of the Juche Idea and the executive committee of Kanagawa Prefecture.
At the seminar the reporter said:
All the world people wish to live in peace, helping each other, free from all forms of domination and subjugation and for this, independence should be respected.
If Japan is to be independent, it should discard its attitude of depending on or following the U.S. It is an important matter related to the future of Japan to strengthen solidarity with the Korean people and develop friendly relations with the DPRK. A vigorous struggle should be waged against the "Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation Guidelines" and a legislation on "emergency on the Korean peninsula" and the process for the opening of diplomatic relations between Japan and the DPRK be promoted and friendly exchange between Japan and the DPRK boosted to put an end to the deliberately sparked confrontation with the DPRK and discard a view on discrimination against it.
The seminar was divided into panel discussions on "opening of Japan-DPRK diplomatic relations, friendship and solidarity", "Juche idea and academic exchange," and so on.
Great method of leadership
Pyongyang, February 4 (KCNA) -- The Korean working people have made a stride forward to bring about a leaping advance in the socialist economic construction this year in hearty response to the joint New Year editorial.
Taking the lead in the drive are new model units such as minor power stations in Jagang Province, Kwangmyongsong saltern, the Amnokgang Tyre Plant, cooperative farms in Kangwon Province whose appearance has changed beyond recognition as a result of land leveling and rezoning and the fish farm managed by Cha Ju Hyon.
These units are the fruition of the ceaseless thinking and tireless efforts of the great leader Kim Jong Il.
In the period of the "arduous march", he created model units in various domains and generalized their experience throughout the country, thus solving knotty problems in the development of the national economy and people's living one by one.
He visited Jagang Province in winter unfavorable to harnessing water resources and taught most effective ways of building and operating minor power stations. And he called on the whole country to draw on its experience.
Taehongdan has become a model in potato cultivation. This would have been unthinkable without his leadership.
With a view to solving the problem of food for the people, he delved into the latest scientific and technological knowledge about potato cultivation and personally conducted an experiment on cultivation and, on this basis, chose Taehongdan as a model in potato cultivation.
Through a series of on-the-spot guidance to Taehongdan county he clearly elucidated all the problems in potato cultivation from seed selection and methods of cultivation to storing and processing and led it to take the lead in potato cultivation.
As the whole country drew on the experience of Taehongdan county with keen interest, potato, once considered as a secondary crop, has become one of the main crops like rice.
Extensive double cropping, brisk stock-breeding, fish farms and solar greenhouses found in different parts of the country--all this is the precious fruition of the unique leadership method of Kim Jong Il who makes a history of great changes by creating model units and generalizing their experience.
This method encourages the Korean people to devote themselves to the building of a powerful nation with a clear target full of faith in victory and optimism about future despite manifold trials and difficulties.
Ground-breaking ceremony for Phyonghwa General Motor Works held
Pyongyang, February 4 (KCNA) -- A ground-breaking ceremony for the Phyonghwa General Motor Works was held yesterday.
Present at the ceremony were Kim Yong Sun, chairman of the Korean Asia-Pacific Peace Committee, and officials concerned.
Pak Po Hui, co-president of the World Peace Federation, and his party were also on hand.
Kim Yong Sun, officials concerned, Pak Po Hui and his party cut the ribbon to proclaim the start of the construction of the works and took the first shovels.
Pak Po Hui and his party arrived here on Feb. 1.
KCNA on S. Korean missile development program
Pyongyang, February 4 (KCNA) -- The South Korean authorities recently announced a "satellite launch program" in a bid to justify their development of inter-continental ballistic missiles.
However, the United States and Japan are overlooking and encouraging such stark long-range missile development, though they had shown hysteric reaction to our launch of satellite, asserting it as "missile launch."
Their connivance cannot be construed otherwise than an insidious attempt to isolate and stifle the DPRK by applying double standards as to the missile issue.
The U.S. conducted tests of ballistic missile interceptor some time ago, disregarding criticism of the world public and the DPRK's warning. It is, after all, a clear manifestation of double standards in the missile issue.
Japan, too, is seeking to legalize the development of long-range missiles under the name of "development of intelligency gathering satellite."
Following them, the South Korean authorities are scheming to justify their development of long-range missiles under the cloak of the "satellite launch program."
The facts prove that the U.S., Japan, and South Korea are cooperating with one another in a bid to put into practice their scheme to disarm the DPRK and contain it militarily.
The South Korean authorities' development of inter-continental ballistic missiles will spark arms race and aggravate tensions not only in the Korean peninsula but also in East Asia, compelling those countries in the region to react to it with heightened vigilance.
The DPRK will never overlook such moves stepped up under the protection of the U.S. and Japan nor tolerate the double standards in the issue of missiles.
The U.S. application of double standards strengthens our will for development, test and deployment of missiles.
We will immediately and unhesitatingly take a strong countermeasure against the South Korean authorities' "satellite launch program," when it is confirmed.