Kim Jong Il greets V. V. Putin at airport
Pyongyang, July 19 (KCNA) -- Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, President of the Russian Federation, arrived here today by a special plane to visit the Democratic People's Republic of Korea at the invitation of General Secretary Kim Jong Il.
Kim Jong Il warmly greeted V. V. Putin at Pyongyang airport.
The airport and streets of Pyongyang were wrapped in a festive atmosphere welcoming the envoy of the Russian people and pervaded with the feelings of friendship of the two peoples of the DPRK and Russia.
Thousands of Pyongyangites turned out to the airport with flags of the two countries and bouquets in their hands to greet the guests from Russia.
Fluttering at the flag poles were flags of the two countries.
Kim Jong Il came out to the airport.
On hand were Kim Yong Nam, President of the presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly Jo Myong Rok, director of the general political department of the Korean People's Army who is also first vice-chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission, Kim Yong Chun, chief of the general staff of the KPA who is also member of the DPRK National Defence Commission, Kim Il Chol, Minister of the People's Armed Forces who is also vice-chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission, Jon Pyong Ho, member of the DPRK National Defence Commission and secretary of the WPK Central Committee. Choe Thae Bok, chairman of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Choe Yong Rim, prosecutor-general of the Central Public Prosecutor's Office, Kim Kuk Thae and Kim Yong Sun who are secretaries of the WPK Central Committee, Paek Nam Sun, Minister of Foreign Affairs, leading officials of party, armed forces and power institutions, commissions and ministries of the cabinet, and national institutions, and Pak Ui Chun, DPRK Ambassador E. P. to Russia.
Russian ambassador to the DPRK V. I. Denisov and embassy officials were also on hand.
When the plane carrying the goodwill envoy of the Russian people touched down at 3 p.m. The crowd enthusiastically welcomed the guests amid the playing of the welcome music, cheers of "hurrah " and shouts of "welcome to Putin".
Kim Jong Il firmly shook hands with V. V. Putin. Putin was accompanied by deputy prime minister I. I. Klebanov, Foreign Minister I. S. Ivanov, Defence Minister I. D. Sergeyev, first deputy director of the Presidential office D. A. Medvedev, deputy director of the presidential office S. E. Prukhodko, Minister of Education and chairman of the Russian side to the Russia-DPRK Intergovernmental Economic Cooperation Committee V. M. Filippov, general director of the Federal Governmental Agency of Communications and Information Directly under the President V. G. Matyukhin, chief delegate of the President of the Russian Federation to the Far East District K. B. Pulikovski, Power Minister A. S. Gavrin, head of Administration in Maritime Territories E. I. Nazdratenko, member of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Yu. M. Jong and other suite members.
A welcome function took place at the airport in honor of Putin.
The anthem of the Russian Federation and the national anthem of the DPRK were played.
V. V. Putin, together with Kim Jong Il and President Kim Yong Nam, reviewed a guard of honor of the three services of the KPA amid a 21-gun salute.
Putin was presented with bunches of flowers by Korean children.
Kim Jong Il and V. V. Putin waved to the enthusiastically cheering Pyongyangites.
Escorted by motorcycles, the limousine carrying President Kim Yong Nam and V. V. Putin headed for downtown Pyongyang.
Hundreds of thousands of citizens from all walks of life warmly welcomed V. V. Putin and his entourage along the route extending over 16 kilometers.
Talks held between Kim Jong Il and V. V. Putin
Pyongyang, July 19 (KCNA) -- Talks were held here today between General Secretary Kim Jong Il and Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, President of the Russian Federation.
Present on the DPRK side were Kim Yong Nam, President of the presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, Jo Myong Rok, first vice-chairman of the DPRK NDC and director of the general political department of the KPA, Kim Yong Chun, member of the DPRK NDC and chief of the general staff of the KPA. Kim Il Chol, vice-chairman of the DPRK NDC and Minister of the People's Armed Forces, Jon Pyong Ho, member of the DPRK NDC and secretary of the c.c., WPK, Kim Yong Sun, secretary of the c.c., WPK, Kim Yang Gon, department director of the c.c., WPK, and Paek Nam Sun, Foreign Minister.
Present on the Russian side were deputy prime minister I. I. Klebanov, Foreign Minister I. S. Ivanov, Defence Minister I. D. Sergeyev, first deputy director of the presidential office D. A. Medvedev, deputy director of the presidential office S. E. Prukhodko, Minister of Education V. M. Filippov, general director of the Federal Governmental Agency of Communications and Information Directly under the President V. G. Matyukhin, chief delegate of the President of the Russian Federation to the Far East District K. B. Pulikovski, head of Administration in Maritime Territories E. I. Nazdratenko, member of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Yu. M. Jong and Russian Ambassador E.P. to Korea V. I. Denisov.
At the talks both sides informed each other of the situation in their countries, had an exhaustive and in-depth exchange of opinions on further expanding and developing the bilateral friendly and cooperative relations and a series of issues of mutual concern and reached a consensus of views on all the matters discussed.
The talks proceeded in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.
President Putin pays homage to President Kim Il Sung
Pyongyang, July 19 (KCNA) -- Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, President of the Russian Federation, visited the Kumsusan Memorial Palace today to pay homage to the President Kim Il Sung.
Present there were deputy prime minister I. I. Klebanov, Foreign Minister I. S. Ivanov, Defense Minister I. D. Sergeyev, Putin's other principal suite members and Russian ambassador to the DPRK V. I. Denisov.
Also accompanying them were Kim Yong Nam, President of the presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, Kim Il Chol, Minister of the People's Armed Forces who is also vice-chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK Paek Nam Sun, Foreign Minister and Pak Ui Chun, DPRK Ambassador E.P. to the Russian Federation.
A guard of honor of the three services of the KPA lined up, looking up to President Kim Il Sung's statue.
A floral basket was laid before it in the name of V. V. Putin.
V. V. Putin paid respectful homage to the statue of Kim Il Sung.
He entered the hall where President Kim Il Sung, who provided the historic roots of the DPRK-Russia friendship and performed immortal feats in consolidating and developing them, lies in state for perpetuity.
He bowed to Kim Il Sung in profound reverence.
He made an entry in the visitor's book.
Kim Jong Il hosts grand banquet in honor of V. V. Putin
Pyongyang, July 19 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il hosted a grand banquet at the Mokran House today in honor of Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, President of the Russian Federation, on a visit to the DPRK.
When Kim Jong Il, together with V. V. Putin, entered the banquet hall amid the playing of the welcome music, all the participants warmly welcomed them with a stormy applause.
Present on invitation at the banquet were deputy prime minister I. I. Klebanov, Foreign Minister I. S. Ivanov, Defence Minister I. D. Sergeyev and other suite members and Russian Ambassador E.P. to the DPRK V. I. Denisov and embassy officials.
Present there were Kim Yong Nam, President of the presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Jo Myong Rok, director of the general political department of the KPA who is also first vice-chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission, and other leading officials of party, armed forces and power institutions, commissions and ministries of the cabinet, national institutions and press organs.
Paek Nam Sun, Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke at the banquet.
Saying that he was very much pleased with the visit of respected V. V. Putin, President of the Russian Federation, to the DPRK Paek Nam Sun warmly welcomed the Russian guests upon the authorization of Kim Jong Il, Chairman of the DPRK NDC.
This is the first official visit of the head of State of Russia to the DPRK in the history of the DPRK-Russia relations, he said, adding: An expression of the friendly feelings toward the Korean people, this visit is an indication that President Putin and the Russian government attach importance to the DPRK-Russia relations.
The sovereignty and dignity of the country have been defended, political stability has been achieved and work to achieve national prosperity has made brisk headway in Russia since Putin began leading state affairs as a whole, he noted, and continued:
The Korean people are now making vigorous endeavors to successfully carry to completion the revolutionary cause of Juche started by the President Kim Il Sung and reunify the country under the unique army-first revolutionary leadership of the great leader Kim Jong Il.
Strengthening and developing the friendly and cooperative relations between the DPRK and Russia not only conforms with the common desire and fundamental interests of the two peoples but also constitutes an important contribution to ensuring peace and security in Asia and the rest of the world.
The DPRK government and people greatly treasure the friendship with Russia and will in the future, too, make positive efforts to expand and develop these relations in the spirit of the new treaty.
He expressed the conviction that brief as Putin's current visit is, it would mark an important occasion in further developing the bonds of the DPRK-Russia friendship towards the 21st century.
Then, Russian Foreign Minister I.S. Ivanov made a speech.
He expressed thanks for the warm welcome, kindness and hospitality accorded to them upon the authorization of the Russian President.
He said people's wisdom is always more correct than a political view and Russia considers the desire of the people for friendship and cooperation as a basis.
President Kim Il Sung, the founder of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, based himself on this stand, he said, and went on:
The cooperative relations of good-neighborliness and mutual benefit with the DPRK constitute a basic component of Russia's Asia-Pacific policy. We consider these relations to be an important factor of stability.
Russia and the DPRK have an identical position of supporting the compliance with the anti-ballistic missile treaty, a bedrock of strategic stability. The two countries unanimously denounce any form of international terrorism.
Describing the inter-Korean summit held in Pyongyang last June as a manifestation of good faith and sincere will of the Korean nation to shape its destiny by its own effort, Ivanov said:
Russia, calling for the relaxation of the political and military confrontation, considers it necessary to strengthen confidence-building measures and ensure lasting stability in the Korean peninsula.
The Russian and the Korean people have rich experience in cooperation accumulated for scores of years, but their potentials, including economic cooperation, have not been utilized to the full, he noted, and said: Exchange in science, culture and education should be normal and beneficial.
In conclusion he expressed the belief that the Russia-DPRK summit meeting would inject fresh vitality into the Russia-DPRK cooperation.
The banquet proceeded in a cordial atmosphere overflowing with feelings of friendship.
A performance of the KPA merited chorus was given there.
Tete-a-tete talks held between Kim Jong Il and V. V. Putin
Pyongyang, July 19 (KCNA) -- Tete-a-tete talks were held today between General Secretary Kim Jong Il and Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, President of the Russian Federation.
The talks proceeded in a sincere and friendly atmosphere.
Korea-Russia talks on different sectors
Pyongyang, July 19 (KCNA) -- Talks involving different sectors were held here today between the DPRK and the Russian Federation.
There were talks between DPRK Minister of the People's Armed Forces Kim Il Chol and Russian Defence Minister I.D. Sergeyev, secretary of the Worker's Party of Korea Central Committee Jon Pyong Ho and deputy prime minister of Russia I.I. Klebanov, DPRK Minister of Foreign Trade Kang Jong Mo and Russian Minister of Education V.M. Filippov who is chairman of the Russian side to the Russia-DPRK Intergovernmental Economic Cooperation Committee, DPRK Minister of Forestry Ri Sang Mu and chief delegate of the President of Russia to the Far East District K.B. Pulikovski, and deputy to the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly Hong So Hon and member of the Russian State Duma Yu. M. Jong.
Present there on the Korean side were Lieut. General of the Korean People's Army Pak Sung Won, vice-Minister of Power and Coal Industries O Kwang Hong, vice-Minister of Fisheries Kim Kyu Rak and officials concerned, and on the Russian side were Col. General V.N. Meleshko, Col. General L.G. Ivashov, advisor to the president A.N. Illarionov, head of Administration in Maritime Territories E.I. Nazdratenko and others.
The talks proceeded in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.
DPRK-Russia joint declaration signed
Pyongyang, July 19 (KCNA) -- The DPRK-Russia joint declaration was signed here today. General Secretary Kim Jong Il together with Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, President of the Russian Federation, participated in the signing ceremony.
Present there on the DPRK side were Kim Yong Nam, President of the presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Jo Myong Rok, first vice-chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission and director of the general political department of the Korean People's Army, Kim Yong Chun, member of the DPRK National Defence Commission and chief of the general staff of the KPA, Kim Il Chol, vice-chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission and Minister of the People's Armed Forces, Jon Pyong Ho, member of the DPRK National Defence Commission and secretary of the WPK Central Committee, Kim Yong Sun, secretary of the WPK Central Committee, Kim Yang Gon, department director of the WPK Central Committee, and Paek Nam Sun, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Present on the Russian side were deputy prime minister I. I. Klebanov, Foreign Minister I. S. Ivanov, Defence Minister I. D. Sergeyev, first deputy director of the presidential office D. A. Medvedev, deputy director of the presidential office S. E. Prukhodko, Minister of Education V. M. Filippov, general director of the Federal Governmental Agency of Communications and Information Directly under the President V. G. Matyukhin, chief delegate of the President of the Russian Federation to the Far East District K. B. Pulikovski, head of Administration in Maritime Territories E. I. Nazdratenko, member of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Yu. M. Jong and Russian Ambassador E. P. to the DPRK V. I. Denisov.
The DPRK-Russia joint declaration was signed by Kim Jong Il and V. V. Putin.
Japan's sleight of hand assailed
Pyongyang, July 19 (KCNA) -- The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP) reportedly decided on July 11 to set up a consultative council in the party to examine the mode of existence of the "Yasukuni Shrine" for the official visit of the Prime Minister and ministers to it.
Topics of discussion at the council would be such issues as strengthening a "religious" corporation, making the shrine a corporate body with a special status and holding a separate memorial service for top war criminals.
Rodong Sinmun today in a signed commentary dismisses this as a move which can never be overlooked.
It continues:
Through this the LDP seeks to make the shrine affiliated to a certain "religious" organization and grant a special status to it. It will make it possible for the Prime Minister and ministers to pay official visits to the shrine and hold "memorial services" as big "rituals" unaffectedly.
The issue of the mode of existence of the shrine turns out to be one related to the mode of existence of militarism today. A road is being paved for Japan to legally preach militarism under the name of "religion."
Though the Japanese ruling quarters are putting up the signboard of "religion," they seek to convert Japan into a militarist state centering on "Emperor," busying themselves with whetting their swords for continental aggression.
With nothing can the conservative forces of Japan cover up their black-hearted intention.
Complete revision of "status of forces agreement" called for
Pyongyang, July 19 (KCNA) -- Six institutes of "national assemblymen" of South Korea held a meeting at the "National Assembly" on July 14 and decided to publish a resolution calling for the complete revision of the South Korea-U.S. "status of forces agreement" with the approach of the negotiations for it which will be held in early august, according to Seoul-based radio no. 1.
They made clear that they would call for the revision of inequitable articles of the "agreement", including articles on criminal jurisdiction and use of facilities and bases.
Friendly meeting with Russian guests
Pyongyang, July 19 (KCNA) -- A friendly meeting with the Mayor of Nakhodka of Russia and his party took place at DPRK-Russia friendship Moranbong Senior Middle School No. 1 yesterday.
Invited to the meeting were Mayor Victor Gnedilov and his party.
Officials concerned, teachers and students of the school were present there.
The participants looked round various educational facilities of the school and saw an art performance of schoolchildren.
Then, they talked with each other, deepening their friendly feelings.
Japan urged to swim with trend of times
Pyongyang, July 19 (KCNA) -- Former Japanese Prime Minister Murayama and other figures from all walks of life recently met in Tokyo to inaugurate the "People's Society for the Promotion of Japan-DPRK Diplomatic Relations." At this inaugural meeting they adopted a declaration demanding the authorities redress Japan's past at an early date on the basis of an apology to the DPRK and repentance of their wrongs.
Minju Joson today in a signed commentary hails this as a positive development tallying with the trend of the present times as it was a reasonable judgement made by figures of insight of Japan who are well aware of its past.
The commentary continues:
At a time when European countries including Germany are making apologies and compensations in different ways to mend their past wrongdoings, Japan, the defeated nation, is behaving quite contrary to this.
The Japanese government should frankly admit and apologize for Japan's past crimes and make full compensation for mental, physical and material damage it inflicted upon the Korean people.
However, it is playing a double-dealing trick and behaving brazen-facedly, swimming against the trend of the present times. More than half a century has passed since the end of World War II but Japan has not yet sincerely repented of its past crimes, persistently pursuing its hostile policy towards the DPRK.
Such behaviour of Japan can never be tolerated as it betrays its intention to repeat its past shuddering crimes, concludes the commentary.
Army-first leadership
Pyongyang, July 19 (KCNA) -- The Korean revolution is winning victory after victory thanks to the army-first leadership.
The army-first leadership is an unwavering political mode of the great leader Kim Jong Il.
He has regarded the military affair as the most important state one and the people's army as the lifeline of socialism. He has exerted primary efforts for strengthening the revolutionary armed forces, firmly believing in them under any difficult situation.
And he has energetically led the people's army to successfully carry out the honorable mission it assumed before the fatherland and the revolution.
The Korean people have defended socialism and laid firm foundations of building a powerful nation despite unprecedented hardships and difficulties. This is also a result of the army-first leadership of Kim Jong Il.
He has led the people's army to take the lead in socialist construction regarding it as the first pillar in building a powerful nation.
During the period of the "arduous march" and the forced march, the people's army built the Anbyon Youth Power Station, Mt. Kuwol Recreation Ground, Chongryu Bridge, modern stock farms and fish farms.
The spirit of devotedly defending the leader, the revolutionary spirit displayed by soldiers of the people's army, became a social trait.
The revolutionary spirit of soldiers gave birth to the Kanggye spirit and the Songgang and Rakwon torches. They served as an ideological mainstay in making a great leap forward in the revolution and construction and defending the socialist cause despite manifold difficulties.
The army-first policy of Kim Jong Il serves as a powerful weapon in the hands of the Korean people for the ultimate victory of the revolution and a great banner for building a powerful nation.
Korea visit of Russian President hailed
Pyongyang, July 19 (KCNA) -- Pyongyang-based papers today editorially welcome the visit of V. V. Putin, President of the Russian Federation, to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
V. V. Putin, President and supreme commander of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, is due here today to visit the DPRK at the invitation of Kim Jong Il, Chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission and Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army.
Rodong Sinmun in an editorial says:
This is the first visit to the DPRK to be paid by the state leader of Russia. The Korean people warmly welcome Putin coming to the DPRK carrying friendly feelings of the Russian people.
His visit to the DPRK marks an important event of great significance in developing the DPRK-Russia relations on a new basis. It also inspires the Korean people in their drive to build a powerful nation of Juche and accelerate the reunification of the country.
Today the DPRK-Russia friendly relations are entering a new stage of development to meet the desire of the two peoples.
The signing of the DPRK-Russia treaty of friendship, good neighborliness and cooperation in February marked an important occasion in putting the relations between the two countries onto a new stage.
The DPRK-Russia traditional relations of friendship will further expand and develop on the principle of the complete equality, independence, mutual respect, non-interference in their internal affairs and reciprocity and in the spirit of the treaty of friendship, good neighborliness and cooperation.
New changes have taken place in Russia recently.
President Putin set out the general aim to build powerful Russia in conformity with the reality of Russia and the aspiration and demand of its people and is mobilizing them to achieve it.
The Korean people congratulate the Russian people on their good results made in political, economic, military and various other fields and wish them greater success in their work to build powerful Russia.
Pointing to Russia's efforts on the international arena to guarantee world peace and security, the editorial says:
The Russian government is exerting efforts to build a multipolar world against hegemonism and strong-arm politics of the imperialists and their moves to establish a unipolar world.
A particular mention should be made of the fact that the Russian government is opposed to the U.S. moves to abrogate the "ABM treaty" and establish the "missile defense" system.
The Korean people appreciate and support this stand and efforts of Russia.
An editorial of Minju Joson says that the Korean people know well about the domestic and foreign policies of the friendly Russian people to achieve their objective to "build powerful Russia" and wish them success in their efforts for its materialization.
The Korean people who set store by the traditional DPRK-Russia friendship will make every possible effort to develop the friendly relations with the Russian people in the future, too, the editorial concludes.
NDFSK publishes communique
Pyongyang, July 19 (KCNA) -- The central committee of the National Democratic Front of South Korea (NDFSK) on July 16 published a communique on functions held to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the passing away of the President Kim Il Sung, according to Seoul-based radio Voice of National Salvation.
It said:
The NDFSK and organizations at all levels held memorial functions on the occasion of the sixth anniversary of his passing away.
The NDFSK central committee sent a letter to the respected leader Kim Jong Il, hoping for the eternal life of the respected President and carrying the will of people from all walks of life to realise his last instructions for national reunification.
At the memorial meetings for the sixth anniversary of his passing away held in Seoul and all other places of South Korea on July 7 and 8, speakers stressed that the whole life of the President who devoted himself to the reunification of the country and the prosperity of the nation is the sacred and glorious history of a great man born of heaven.
The NDFSK and organizations at all levels held lecture meetings and symposium from July 1 to 15 and patriotic movement organizations conducted propaganda activities on the greatness of the President among people of all strata on the occasion of the sixth anniversary of his passing away.