Harmony and unity of nation called for
Pyongyang, February 28 (KCNA) -- Harmony between the north and the south and the great unity of the nation precisely mean national reunification, says Rodong Sinmun today in a signed article.
It says:
The cause of Korea's reunification, in essence, calls for rejoining the severed blood ties of the nation, achieving national unity and establishing national independence throughout the country.
The cause of national reunification, the greatest cherished desire of the Korean nation, is unthinkable without the great unity of the nation.
The great national unity is most important in achieving the cause of national reunification.
Through the historic Pyongyang meeting and the publication of the north-south joint declaration and the drive for its implementation the Koreans demonstrated to the full the nation's ardent desire and will for reunification and proved again that the north and the south can reconcile themselves and unite on the patriotic road of reunification.
The north-south joint declaration is a declaration of independence, peaceful reunification and great national unity anchored on the three principles of national reunification. Only the thorough implementation of the declaration would ensure national harmony and great unity.
The north and the south should solve the issue of reunification independently in the common interests of the nation and in reliance upon the efforts of the nation and settle all the issues arising between the north and the south on the principle of promoting co-existence, co-prosperity and common interests and subordinating everything to the cause of national reunification under the uplifted banner of the joint declaration.
Positive efforts should be made to promote visits, contacts, cooperation, exchange, solidarity and unity in the noble idea of reunification.
The conception of confrontation should be discarded and the north and the south should negotiate and get reconciled with each other, build confidence and pool efforts.
All the fellow countrymen should be responsible for the implementation of the joint declaration.
Area under giant chestnut trees on steady increase
Pyongyang, February 28 (KCNA) -- Giant chestnut trees of new species are widely cultivated in Paechon county, South Hwanghae Province, which extends along the River Ryesong flowing in the central western part of the country.
The county has annually planted those trees in vast areas.
As a result, there appeared a forest of giant chestnut trees covering thousands of hectares in recent few years.
Now all the mountains in the county including Mt. Paekma, Mt. Hwanghae and Mt. Ryonggak are clad in forests of giant chestnut trees of 8 new species such as Obong chestnut, Subok chestnut and Soksan chestnut.
There are in the county many co-op farms that have such forests, each covering hundreds of hectares.
This giant chestnut tree is quite distinct from other chestnut trees.
First of all, it grows fast free from harmful insects.
Chestnuts can be picked in 3-4 years after tree planting.
Its yield is 5-10 times higher than that of the tree of the native species.
It is also very nutritious and tasty.
It is good for preparing not only ordinary food but health and medicinal food.
Besides, Korea has many chestnuts of famous species including medicinal chestnut in Pyongyang and giant chestnut in Jongju.
Kim Jong Il's birthday celebrated in Colombia
Pyongyang, February 28 (KCNA) -- A celebration meeting, a film show, a book and photo exhibition, a friendly meeting and a concert were held in Colombia on Feb. 15 and 16 under the sponsorship of the Latin American and Caribbean Regional Committee to Support the Reunification of Korea on the occasion of leader Kim Jong Il's birthday.
Present there were figures of political, academic and public circles of different countries and people from all walks of life.
Omar Florez Velez, chairman of the Latin American and Caribbean Regional Committee to Support the Reunification of Korea, in his report at the celebration meeting said that socialist Korea has become an impregnable bulwark as it has Kim Jong Il as the great leader.
The committee would continue to voice positive support to the cause of the Korean people led by the outstanding leader so that they may achieve greater success in the struggle for national reunification and the building of a powerful socialist nation, he stressed.
A message of greetings to Kim Jong Il was adopted at the meeting.
Korean films were screened at the film show and Korean and Colombian songs were played at the concert.
Displayed at the book and photo exhibition were Korean books and photos showing successes achieved by the Korean people in socialist construction.
KCTU declares solidarity strike
Pyongyang, February 28 (KCNA) -- The South Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) called a press conference on Feb. 23 to declare that it would go on a solidarity strike in protest against police crackdown and violence, according to the South Korean newspaper Hangyore.
It announced that at least 170,000 members of the federation of metal industrial workers unions under the KCTU would call a strike at more than 200 workplaces all at once on Feb. 28 and wage a more powerful struggle on March 1 and 3.
KCTU chairman Tan Pyong Ho demanded the authorities apologize for human rights abuses, release the arrested unionists and stop searching for those on the want list.
And he urged the authorities to make clear their attitude towards the demands of the Daewoo Motor Company trade union and stop forcible dismissal.
South side's visiting group leaves
Pyongyang, February 28 (KCNA) -- The third visiting group of separated families and relatives from the south side left here today by air.
Members of the visiting group of the south side were farewelled by their families and relatives at Pyongyang Koryo Hotel.
The head of the group issued a written statement upon their departure from Pyongyang.
The group saw an acrobatic performance at the Pyongyang Circus Theater on Feb. 27.
North side's visiting group back
Pyongyang, February 28 (KCNA) -- The third visiting group of separated families and relatives of the north side flew back here today.
The group left Seoul today after they were farewelled by their families and relatives.
The head of the group released a written statement before their departure from Seoul.
The statement said that the successful exchange of visiting groups this time offered an optimistic view that good results would be attained in settling humanitarian issues in the future in the basic spirit of the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration.
It expressed the hope that the issue of the repatriation of the remaining unconverted long-term prisoners would be settled as early as possible and that red cross officials concerned of the south side would make a due contribution to the solution of this most urgent issue.
Credentials presented to Kim Yong Nam by first Canadian ambassador
Pyongyang, February 28 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, President of the presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, received credentials from Howard Robert Balloch, first Canadian ambassador e.p. to the DPRK, at the Mansudae Assembly Hall today.
Present there was vice-minister of foreign affairs Kung Sok Ung.
After receiving credentials, the president had a talk with the ambassador.
Kim Jong Il sends wreath to bier of late Pak Si Hyong
Pyongyang, February 28 (KCNA) -- Leader Kim Jong Il today sent a wreath to the bier of the late Pak Si Hyong, researcher at the faculty of history of kim il sung university, winner of Kim Il Sung Prize, Labour Hero, academician, professor and doctor, expressing deep condolences over his death.