Kim Jong Il meets again Madeleine K. Albright
Pyongyang, October 24 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il today met again and had a conversation with Madeleine K. Albright, Secretary of State of the United States of America.
Present there was Kang Sok Ju, first vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Also present were the suite members of the U.S. Secretary of State.
Wide-ranging views on the issues of common concern were exchanged in the meeting.
Madeleine K. Albright expressed deep thanks for warm hospitality accorded to her by the DPRK side.
Kim Jong Il sends wreath to cemetery of fallen fighters of CPV
Pyongyang, October 24 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il sent a wreath to the cemetery of fallen fighters of the Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) in Hoechang county, South Phyongan Province, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the CPV entry into the Korean front.
The wreath was laid at the cemetery today.
Written on the ribbon hanging from the wreath were letters "glory to fallen fighters of the Chinese People's Volunteers "
Kim Yong Nam meets Albright
Pyongyang, October 24 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, President of the presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, today met and had a talk with Madeleine K. Albright, Secretary of State of the United States of America who paid a courtesy call on him at the Mansudae Assembly Hall.
Present there were Foreign Minister Paek Nam Sun and vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Kye Gwan and the suite members of the U.S. Secretary of State.
Albright said that she had a talk with leader Kim Jong Il on important issues.
She expressed conviction that the improved U.S.-DPRK relations would contribute to the peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and in East Asia.
She noted that President Clinton is greatly interested in his Pyongyang visit.
Greetings to President of Kazakhstan
Pyongyang, October 24 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, President of the presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, on Oct. 20 sent a message of greetings to Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of its National Day.
The message extended sincere congratulations to the President, government and people of Kazakhstan on its National Day and expressed belief that the friendly relations between the two countries would continue to develop on good terms in the interests of the two peoples.
It wished the President and people of Kazakhstan greater successes in their work to achieve the independent development and prosperity of the country.
Jo Myong Rok hosts luncheon for Albright
Pyongyang, October 24 (KCNA) -- Vice marshal Jo Myong Rok, first vice-chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK and director of the general political department of the Korean People's Army, today hosted a luncheon for Madeleine K. Albright, Secretary of State of the United States of America, on a visit to the DPRK.
Present there on invitation were her suite members.
Foreign Minister Paek Nam Sun, vice-Minister of the People's Armed Forces Ryo Chun Sok and vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Kye Gwan were present there.
Speeches were made at the luncheon.
Paek Nam Sun meets U.S. Secretary of State
Pyongyang, October 24 (KCNA) -- Foreign Minister Paek Nam Sun of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea met and conversed with Madeleine K. Albright, Secretary of State of the United States of America who paid a courtesy call on him, at the Mansudae Assembly Hall today.
Present there were Kim Kye Gwan, vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other officials concerned and her suite members.
DPRK FM spokesman on adoption of declaration on peace on Korean peninsula
Pyongyang, October 24 (KCNA) -- The spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea today answered a question put by KCNA as regards the adoption of the declaration on peace on the Korean peninsula at the third Asia-Europe summit.
He called attention to the fact that the recent third Asia-Europe summit welcomed and supported the north-south joint declaration and adopted the declaration on peace on the Korean peninsula with unanimous approval.
He said:
The government of the DPRK highly appreciates the fact that the declaration on peace on the Korean peninsula was adopted at a time when positive changes have taken place on the Korean peninsula in the wake of the historic Pyongyang meeting and the publication of the north-south joint declaration, products of the idea of national independence and great unity always maintained by the DPRK government and its efforts to put it into practice.
We express expectation that all the countries in Asia, Europe and the rest of the world will in the future, too, give a strong impetus to the implementation of the north-south joint declaration.
Chinese party and state leaders send wreaths to cemetery of fallen CPV fighters
Pyongyang, October 24 (KCNA) -- Jiang Zemin, general secretary of the central committee of the Communist Party of China, President of the People's Republic of China and chairman of the Central Military Commission of the PRC, president Li Peng of the standing committee of the National People's Congress, premier Zhu Rongji of the State Council and president Li Ruihuan of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference sent wreaths to the cemetery of fallen fighters of the Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) in Hoechang county, South Phyongan Province, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the CPV entry into the Korean front.
The wreaths were laid at the cemetery today.
Written on the ribbons hanging from the wreaths were letters "immortal are exploits of fallen fighters of the Chinese People's Volunteers," "immortal are fallen fighters of the Chinese People's Volunteers," etc.
Albright visits Jongbaek Kindergarten no. 2
Pyongyang, October 24 (KCNA) -- Madeleine K. Albright, Secretary of State of the United States of America, yesterday visited the Pyongyang Jongbaek Kindergarten no. 2.
Being briefed on the life of kindergartners there and the humanitarian food assistance from the World Food Programme mission here, she spent a pleasant time with them.
She left a souvenir at the kindergarten.
Albright meets mediapersons
Pyongyang, October 24 (KCNA) -- U.S. Secretary of State, Madeleine K. Albright, met mediapersons at Pyongyang Koryo Hotel today in connection with her visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Present there were reporters accompanying the U.S. Secretary of State, mediapersons in Pyongyang and correspondents of various countries here.
At the press conference the U.S. Secretary of State said she came here to convey to Chairman Kim Jong Il of the National Defence Commission the views of U.S. President William Clinton on the improvement of the DPRK-U.S. relations and prepare for Clinton's visit.
During her visit, she noted, she had hours-long constructive and in-depth conversation with chairman Kim Jong Il over various issues.
She said that there was an earnest talk about "missile issue" and outstanding issues between the two sides.
Recalling that she met with President Kim Yong Nam of the presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, vice marshal Jo Myong Rok and Foreign Minister Paek Nam Sun, she said during her visit an important progress was made in the improvement of the DPRK-U.S. relations.
She was very moved to see beautiful Pyongyang, she added.
She expressed thanks to Chairman Kim Jong Il for the special hospitality accorded to her during her visit to the DPRK, the first by a U.S. Secretary.
Then she answered questions put by reporters.
Banquet given by U.S. Secretary of State
Pyongyang, October 24 (KCNA) -- Madeleine K. Albright, Secretary of State of the United States of America, gave a banquet at Mokran House today upon the conclusion of the itinerary of her visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
The great leader Kim Jong Il, Chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK, was invited to the banquet.
Present on invitation 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 National Defence Commission of the DPRK and director of the general political department of the Korean People's Army, Kim Yong Chun, member of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK and chief of the general staff of the KPA, Kim Kuk Thae and Kim Yong Sun, secretaries of the Central Committee of the Worker's Party of Korea, Minister Paek Nam Sun, first vice-minister Kang Sok Ju and vice-minister Kim Kye Gwan of foreign affairs, and officials concerned.
Diplomatic envoys of some countries and representatives of international organizations here were also invited.
Present were suite members of the U.S. Secretary of State.
Madeleine K. Albright and Paek Nam Sun spoke at the banquet.
The banquet took place in a cordial atmosphere.
Cooperation between DPRK and China in oceanic science
Pyongyang, October 24 (KCNA) -- Party and power organs and working people's organizations in Kaesong laid wreaths at the martyrs cemetery of the Chinese People's Volunteers in the city on Monday on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the CPV entry into the Korean front.
Wreaths were laid at the martyrs cemetery in the name of the Kaesong city committee of the Worker's Party of Korea, the Kaesong City People's Committee, working people's organizations and bouquets and flowers were laid by working people in the city and soldiers of the people's army.
Present at the wreath-laying ceremony were Kim Si Hak, chief secretary of the Kaesong city committee of the WPK and others.
They observed a moment's silence in honor of martyrs.
On the same day Chinese ambassador to the DPRK Wang Guozhang and embassy officials laid a wreath at the cemetery in the name of the embassy.
Cooperation between DPRK and China in oceanic science
Pyongyang, October 24 (KCNA) -- The minutes of the tenth talks on cooperation between the Hydro-meteorological Service of the DPRK and the State Oceanic Administration of China in oceanic science and technology were signed here yesterday.
Aid equipment from UNICEF
Pyongyang, October 24 (KCNA) -- The United Nations Children's Fund sent aid equipment needed for public health in the DPRK.
An equipment presenting ceremony was held in Pyongyang yesterday.
The aid equipment was handed to an official concerned by Dilawar Ali khan, representative of the office of the UNICEF here.
KCNA urges Japan's redress for its past crimes
Pyongyang, October 24 (KCNA) -- As already reported, the 11th round of the DPRK-Japan intergovernmental full-dress talks is slated to open in Beijing on Oct. 30.
Domestic and foreign public is paying keen attention to the talks to be opened at a time when a good environment is being created in favour of the DPRK.
If the talks are to bear good fruits, it is important for both sides to have a proper attitude and stand toward the talks.
The talks are basically aimed at liquidating Japan's inglorious past and improving bilateral relations.
Proceeding from the position that improved DPRK-Japan relations fully conform with the interests of the two peoples and the requirement of the times, the DPRK has sincerely approached the preceding talks and this attitude and stand remain unchanged.
Success of the talks depends on how the Japanese side will approach the talks. If it repeats such threadbare fiction as "suspected kidnapping", the talks will come to an end without any progress. The talks can make progress only when Japan adopts a bold decision to redress its past crimes.
The DPRK-Japan relations are basically different from the ordinary ties between countries. The DPRK and Japan are in the relationship between the assailant and the victim.
Japan inflicted all sorts of misfortune and sufferings upon the Korean people after its military occupation of Korea and the DPRK is entitled to get compensation for huge human and material losses. Japan should not be allowed to improve these relations with the DPRK in the same way as it does with other countries.
If Japan is to improve its relations with the DPRK it should find a definite solution to such fundamental issue as redressing its past crimes. There can be no improvement of the bilateral relations without Japan's redeem for its past.
Japan's redeem for its past crimes is a prerequisite for near yet far off Japan to become a friendly neighbor of the DPRK.
If Japan persistently seeks a sinister political aim, raising a hue and cry over "suspected kidnapping" and "missile threat", the DPRK-Japan relations will never improve.
If Japan truly wants to improve relations with the DPRK, it should make an option to settle its past crimes, though belatedly, and show it at the forthcoming talks.
Japan's redress for its past crimes urged
Pyongyang, October 24 (KCNA) -- It is the principled stand and demand of the DPRK related to the issue of the DPRK-Japan relations that Japan should redress its crimes committed against the Korean people in the past before anything else under any circumstances and this is a key to opening the door of improving the DPRK-Japan relations.
Rodong Sinmun today says this in a signed commentary clarifying the DPRK's principled stand on the 11th round of the DPRK-Japan intergovernmental full-dress talks slated to open late this month.
The commentary says:
The DPRK and Japan are in the relationship fundamentally different from that between other countries because they are in the relationship between the two sworn enemies.
It is, therefore, a prerequisite and key to normalizing the DPRK-Japan relations for Japan to redress its past crimes.
It is the core of this issue that Japan, assailant, should admit and reflect on its crimes and apologize and compensate to the DPRK, its victim.
Japan should clearly understand this special nature of the relations between the DPRK and Japan and approach the talks with honesty.
The Japanese government is seeking sinister political aims in raising a hue and cry over "kidnapping" and "missile" issues. It is vociferous about them even these days with the 11th round of the DPRK-Japan intergovernmental full-dress talks at hand.
This makes the DPRK skeptical about Japan's stand on the issues of redressing its past crimes and improving the bilateral relations.
While talking about the improvement of the Japan-DPRK relations, Japan is putting a brake on its process. This clearly shows its crafty double-dealing attitude.
Japan's redress for its past crimes should include apology and compensation, solution of the issue of cultural treasures and guarantee of special status to the Korean residents in Japan.
Japan should not hush up the issue of redressing its past nor seek other aim through the normalization of the bilateral relations.
If Japan truly wants to improve the relations with the DPRK it should turn over a new leaf and make a bold decision to settle its past crimes.
Establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and DPRK urged
Pyongyang, October 24 (KCNA) -- An emergency meeting took place in Tokyo on October 19 in demand of early establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Present were Motofumi Makieta, chairman of the Japan Committee for Supporting the Independent and Peaceful Reunification of Korea, Sumiko Shimizu, representative of the Japanese Women's Liaison Council for Solidarity with the Korean Women, and other Japanese public figures and people from all walks of life.
The establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the DPRK is an ethical and moral issue which should be settled within the present century, speakers said, underscoring the need for Japan to sincerely redress its past.
There still remains in Japanese society the idea of humiliating the Korean nation such as the "suspected kidnapping" racket, they said, adding that proceeding from the fact that Japan is the assailant and Korea is the victim, the government should sincerely approach the negotiations for establishing diplomatic relations.
The Japanese government should candidly admit, apologize and compensate for Japan's past colonial rule over Korea and enormous damage upon the Korean nation, so as to establish the future-oriented relations of friendship, they stressed.
Strengthening driving force for Korea's reunification called for
Pyongyang, October 24 (KCNA) -- The whole nation should unite as one to strengthen the driving force for reunification. Herein lies a sure guarantee for the independent and peaceful reunification of Korea. Rodong Sinmun today says this in a signed article.
The article goes on: Success of the cause of Korea's reunification depends on how the fellow countrymen in the north, south and abroad unite to struggle for it.
It is one of the important issues in strengthening the driving force for national reunification to unite in the spirit of patriotism and national independence under the banner of the great unity of the whole Korean nation.
It is the common idea and feelings for all the members of the nation to love their own country and value its independence.
The driving force for reunification will be strengthened in every way when all the fellow countrymen unite as one in the spirit of patriotism and national independence.
It is another important matter in strengthening the driving force for national reunification to get the whole nation united under the banner of patriotism and national reunification.
It is the common feelings and idea for the members of the nation to love their country and nation and value their identity. Moreover, the reunification of the country presents itself as the supreme task of the Korean nation who has suffered all sorts of misfortune and pain resulting from the national split.
The banner of national reunification serves as a banner of struggle common to the nation and a banner of great national unity.
Korean Taekwon-do players prove successful
Pyongyang, October 24 (KCNA) -- Korean Taekwon-do players bagged 15 gold medals, 5 silver medals and one bronze medal at the 1st Asian Taekwon-do Championships held in Tokyo from October 21 to 22.
DPRK boys and girls came first in the men and women's group pattern contest.
The DPRK placed first in the team standing to win a trophy.
Ri Chol Nam and Ro Song Hui were awarded each the best prize.
Motorway associated with profound trust and loving care
Pyongyang, October 24 (KCNA) -- The 40-odd km Chongnyonyongung Motorway from the capital city of Pyongyang to Nampho, a city on the west coast of Korea, was successfully completed as a monumental edifice in the era of the worker's party era.
This project was as Herculean as the 120 km-long Pyongyang-Hyangsan tourist motorway which was opened to traffic in October Juche 84 (1995).
After proposing its construction the great leader Kim Jong Il assigned the project to young people in November Juche 87 (1998). 50,000 young people from at least 200 cities and counties across the country volunteered to build the motorway to live up to the deep trust of the leader.
He showed deep solicitude for them so that they could perform heroic feats in the construction.
He sent a variety of new year festive dishes to them when they were to celebrate the first new year's day in the construction site. He also made sure that early ripening potatoes and grapes were sent to the members of the youth shock brigades so that they might taste them before anyone else. He saw to it that they were specially served at renowned restaurants in Pyongyang several times and sent them TV sets and other entertainment apparatuses.
In June last year when the project was still under way he made sure that state citations including orders and medals were awarded to them in high recognition of their exploits.
This was something unprecedented. His loving care and trust were the only source of the courage with which they could overcome rigorous ordeals and manifold difficulties.
In the whole period when the project was carried out the country's economic situation was so hard that the builders were short of construction machines and vehicles and fuel and there was an acute shortage of cement, steel, timber and even food.
Under the slogan "self-reliance is the only way out " the youth shock brigaders used stretcher-live carrying means, plastic bags, hammers and chisels day and night to lay roadbeds. They removed at least 14 million cubic meters of earth.
In this course they presented a 50,000-strong chorus, something unprecedented in history, to demonstrate the faith and spirit of the young Korean people.
The motorway was successfully completed in a matter of two years thanks to their unremitting efforts as the best one in all aspects including architectural style and technology.
The motorway was named "Chongnyonyongung Motorway" to convey long the exploits of the youth shock brigade members and soldier-builders.
Rodong Sinmun observes Day of UN
Pyongyang, October 24 (KCNA) -- Rodong Sinmun today dedicates a signed article to the Day of the United Nations.
The paper says:
For 55 years after its foundation the UN has made great efforts to ensure global peace and security and promote the socio-economic development of its member states in accordance with its mission and purpose.
Different from the time when the UN was founded, the present time is faced with an important task to establish fair international relations and order which will represent the new millennium.
To this end, justice, impartiality and equality should be ensured in the UN system and activities and challenges to the UN charter should be successfully overcome.
Expectation and concern about the UN role in making the 21st century a century of human prosperity and progress and peace are great.
The changed international situation requires to reform the UN structure in a more democratic way. It is one of important ways of building the trust of the international community in the UN for the UN to redress those matters which were dealt with wrong by a strong arm and a high hand on the contrary to the purpose and principles of the UN Charter.
When the UN remains faithful to its charter and discharge its mission and duty in conformity with the changing situation at the turn of the century, the trust of the world people in the UN will be built.
Week of disarmament observed
Pyongyang, October 24 (KCNA) -- Minju Joson today dedicates a signed article to the beginning of a week of disarmament this year.
The article says:
Disarmament is an important way of removing tensions and danger of war and ensuring world peace and security at present.
It is one of the fundamental ways for disarmament for the peace-loving people of the world to unite and wage a powerful joint struggle against the arms race of the imperialists.
The peace-loving people of the world should fully lay bare the criminal moves of the imperialists who are hastening the development of nuclear weapons while justifying their possession and use of nuclear weapons in the old way of thinking in the era of the Cold War. And they should put a collective pressure so as to dismantle the existing nuclear weapons and stop the development of new nuclear weapons.
It is important to establish the nuclear-free, peace zones in different parts of the world and expand them steadily.
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea will resolutely struggle in defence of peace against the arms race of the imperialists in the future, too.