Party and state cadres visit International Friendship Exhibition
Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- Senior party and state officials, chairmen of friendly parties and leading officials of ministries and national institutions visited the International Friendship Exhibition yesterday on the occasion of the 90th birth anniversary of President Kim Il Sung.
On display at the exhibition are national treasures of Kim Il Sung's Korea which show the high international prestige of Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il and the firm solidarity of the world revolutionary people with the Korean revolution.
The senior party and state officials first laid before the statue of Kim Il Sung in the township of Hyangsan a floral basket, together with bunches of flowers, in the joint name of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, the presidium of the supreme people's assembly and the cabinet of the DPRK and paid homage to him.
Being briefed on the fact that heads of party, state and government, the progressive personages and organizations of at least 170 countries presented the president with over 165,800 gifts carrying their deep reverence for him, they went round the exhibition.
Youth and students visit Kim Il Sung's birthplace
Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- An expedition march of youth and students from across the country to the native home of President Kim Il Sung in Mangyongdae took place yesterday on the occasion of his 90th birth anniversary.
Participating in it were over 4,000 Youth League Officials, working youths and school youth and children throughout the country.
Prior to the march, they laid floral baskets and bunches of flowers before the statue of Kim Il Sung on Mansu Hill and paid a tribute to him.
They were warmly welcomed by citizens and school youth and children in Pyongyang along its streets.
After arriving at Mangyongdae, they laid wreaths and bunches of flowers before the graves of Kim Po Hyon, Ri Po Ik, Kim Hyong Jik and Kang Pan Sok and observed a moment's silence in memory of them.
Then, the marchers looked round the Mangyongdae Revolutionary Museum and visited the old home in Mangyongdae where the president was born and fostered his high ambition of revolution.
Kim Jong Il's work published in Peru
Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- Leader Kim Jong Il's famous work "The Juche Philosophy Is an Original Revolutionary Philosophy" was published in booklet by the millenium digital publishing house in Peru on April 1.
KCNA on U.S. anti-DPRK smear campaign
Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- The U.S. congressional investigation bureau, in a report on South Korea-U.S. relations recently submitted to the congress, claimed that the DPRK "used" for a military purpose the money, which was paid for the Mt. Kumgang tourism. This is one more anti-DPRK smear campaign.
The political motive and aim of the report are clear as it has been based on information faked up by the U.S. CIA and the U.S. forces command in South Korea.
In a word, such diatribe is part of the evermore undisguised anti-DPRK plot of the U.S. administration to block the implementation of the June 15 North-South Joint declaration and cooperation and exchange between the two sides of Korea.
As everyone knows, the Korean nation will soon mark the second anniversary of the joint declaration, a milestone for national reunification.
On this occasion, the people's will is growing stronger and their efforts are increasing on the Korean Peninsula to reunify the country by the united efforts of the nation in the spirit of the joint declaration.
It is against this backdrop that the Bush administration has escalated its smear campaign against the DPRK and wirepulled the intelligence agency and the military to spread misinformation to justify the campaign. This indicates its sinister political aim.
Through this the administration seeks, in the long run, to justify its intention to provoke a new war on the Korean Peninsula, quell the South Korean people's desire to achieve independence against the U.S. and force the South Korean authorities to purchase more U.S.-made weapons. It is also aimed to foil the Mt. Kumgang tourism, a symbol of inter-Korean cooperation, and thus bedevil the relations between the North and the south of Korea.
In this regard, the DPRK has repeatedly warned the U.S. that it should behave itself with reason.
If the U.S. continues resorting to such smear campaign to hinder the implementation of the inter-Korean joint declaration and cooperation and exchange between the north and the south of Korea, while insisting on the anachronistic hostile policy towards the DPRK in disregard of its warnings, it will only touch off a stronger anti-U.S. sentiment of the Korean people.
Japan's redress for its past urged
Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- The reactionary media and ultra-right forces in Japan are keeping mum about the issue of redeeming its past crimes, a core issue related to improving the DPRK-Japan relations, while raising a hue and cry over the fictitious issue of "kidnapping" by the DPRK.
In this regard Rodong Sinmun today in a signed commentary says:
The Japanese reactionaries' much ado about "kidnapping" is of no help to improving the bilateral relations. If Japan truly wishes improved relations between the DPRK and Japan it should pay a due attention to the issue of redressing its past crimes, a prerequisite to improving the DPRK-Japan relations, and take an honest approach to the issue.
Japan's settlement of its past is a key issue related to the improved bilateral relations.
Therefore, the DPRK-Japan relations can never improve unless Japan apologizes and compensates to the Korean people for its crime-woven past.
The DPRK neither has vital interests in the improved relations with Japan nor pins any hope on it.
It is the legitimate right of the DPRK to get an apology and compensation from Japan.
The DPRK's demand for Japan's redress for its past is by no means an economic and business-like matter of making it pay a petty amount of money. It is a crucial political issue related to the Korean nation's protection of its dignity and the exercise of its sovereign right. It is the unanimous will of the Korean people to employ every possible means and method to force Japan to redeem its past crimes in the present generation.
Japan is well advised to make a bold political decision to settle its past as early as possible, keenly aware of the serious nature of the issue.
International marathon contest for "Mangyongdae Cup"
Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- The 15th international marathon contest for "Mangyongdae Cup" was held here yesterday on the occasion of the 90th birth anniversary of President Kim Il Sung.
Participating in the contest were marathoners of Norway, South Africa, Britain, Ethiopia, Uzbekistan, China, Kenya and the DPRK (A and B groups).
The opening ceremony held at the Kim Il Sung Stadium was attended by Kim Jung Rin, secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee, and officials concerned.
Pak Myong Chol, chairman of the Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission, made an opening address and a national flag of the DPRK and a symbol flag of the contest were hoisted.
The first place was taken by South African Motolokeng Saopalelwez (male) and DPRK Ham Pong Sil (female).
Poster on Day of Sun released
Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- Poster "Long Live the Day of The Sun, the Greatest National Holiday" was released in the DPRK.
The poster reflects the unanimous mind of all the people commemorating the 90th birth anniversary of President Kim Il Sung.
In the centre of the poster there is a portrait of the president with beaming smile in his face. Depicted on its lower part are the Kumsusan Memorial Palace, the Supreme Temple of Juche, the Tower of the Juche Idea, the Arch of Triumph and the Statue of Chollima.
It also portrays people from all walks of life looking up to the president who founded the Juche idea to make the Korean people the most dignified and proud people in the world and clearly indicate the way for the human cause of independence.
The poster well represents the stamina of the Korean people working hard to build a powerful nation under the army-based leadership of Kim Jong Il.
Spring Friendship Art Festival to be held
Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- Book "Long Road of Friendship" was published in Heilongjiang Province, China, on the occasion of the Day of the Sun.
The book contains facts about the immortal exploits performed by President Kim Il Sung in devotedly helping the Chinese revolution and strengthening Korea-China friendship from the early days of his revolutionary activities to the last moments of his life, his noble revolutionary obligation, his great traits and the unbounded trust and reverence of the Chinese people for him.
The book carries a photograph of the president with beaming smile on his face.
Also given in the book are photos of the president meeting with chairman Mao Zedong and other Chinese party and state leaders, those associated with his anti-Japanese revolutionary struggle and their families, and a photo of leader Kim Jong Il meeting with President Jiang Zemin.
Edited in the book are letters "His Exploits Are Outstanding and His Cause Will Be Immortal" written by Jiang Zemin in praise of the exploits of Kim Il Sung.
The book carries photos related to his anti-Japanese revolutionary history, some 20 articles and scores of short stories including anecdotes and legends written by persons related to his earlier revolutionary activities and anti-Japanese armed struggle and by their sons and daughters, former or present scholars of China specialized in anti-Japanese history and writers, as well as dozens of songs which were sung in praise of him in different parts of the northeast area of China.
An appendix of the book includes messages of greetings to Kim Il Sung from the Chinese party and state leaders, extracts from addresses made in praise of him, a chronological table of the joint struggles of the Korean People's Revolutionary Army and Chinese anti-Japanese units and regional sketch maps of their joint operations.
Anniversary of Kim Jong Il's election as Chairman of NDC
Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- Rodong sinmun today editorially calls for making a vigorous advance in the 21st century, loudly singing "Song of Comradeship," a theme song in the era of army-based policy that represents leader Kim Jong Il's steel-strong faith and view on comradeship.
The song created scores of years ago is more loudly resounding throughout Korea as a song of advance of Juche revolution which is winning one victory after another despite tempest of history, the editorial says, and continues:
The song mainly represents an unusual determination to fight and win victory together in the long march of revolution that is advancing at the cost of blood and a transparent stand never to betray comradely obligation no matter how many times the world may change.
The song is associated with Kim Jong Il's revolutionary philosophy intended to emerge ever-victorious with comradeship as a matter of great concern in the Korean revolution.
The song resounding throughout Korea is the manifestation of the pledge of the Korean army and people to live and fight as true comrades of Kim Jong Il come what may.
The song serves as an eternal song of advance they should sing till the day when they will win the final victory of Juche revolution, a song of victory that helps them defeat imperialism and defend the socialist banner to the last and a song of solemn advance that encourages them to dynamically advance towards the future of a powerful nation.
All the KPA servicemen and the Korean people should enshrine deep in their hearts the profound philosophy of "Song of Comradeship" and make a long march of revolution to the last under Kim Jong Il's army-based policy.
Book "Long Road of Friendship" published in China
Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- Rodong Sinmun today dedicates an editorial article to the 20th death anniversary of anti-Japanese revolutionary fighter Choe Hyon.
It says:
Choe was a revolutionary fighter loyal to President Kim Il Sung and his excellent revolutionary comrade and a brave and talented commanding officer who performed great feats in the revolutionary wars against U.S. and Japanese imperialists.
He devoted his all to the country and the people to the last moments of his life, upholding the leader of revolution with arms.
His life was not only a life of a revolutionary soldier who remained intensely loyal to the president but also a life of an indomitable revolutionary and a true loyalist who devoted his all to the struggle for the party and the revolution.
Saying that Choe's revolutionary life was a very noble and brilliant one because the whole course of his revolutionary struggle is consistent with the revolutionary outlook on the leader, the daily carries the impressive facts about his loyalty to the president displayed in the period of the anti-Japanese armed struggle, the period just after the liberation of the country and the period of the fatherland liberation war.
His transparent outlook on the leader remained unchanged even a bit in the glorious road to hold Kim Jong Il in high esteem as the great leader of the Workers' Party and people of Korea and give a pure and steady continuity to the revolutionary cause of Juche.
He was the model of a revolutionary who showed in real practice the truth of life that only the loyalty which is carried forward generation after generation is a true one.
His noble spirit and feats are more shining with the era of the army-based policy and he will always remain a loyalist in the hearts of the Korean army and people who are devotedly defending Kim Jong Il.
Advance with "Song of Comradeship" called for
Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- The military attaches' corps here presented a congratulatory letter to leader Kim Jong Il on the occasion of the 9th anniversary of his election as Chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission.
The letter was handed to vice-marshal of the Korean People's Army Kim Il Chol, minister of the People's Armed Forces, by Yan Jiangfeng, military attache of the Chinese embassy who is head of the corps, today.
20th death anniversary of Choe Hyon
Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, President of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, received credentials from Paul Beijer, new Swedish ambassador E.P. to the DPRK, at the Mansudae Assembly Hall today.
Vice-minister of foreign affairs Choe Su Hon was present there.
After receiving the credentials, the president had a talk with the ambassador.
Congratulatory letter to Kim Jong Il
Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- The 20th April Spring Friendship Art Festival will be held with splendeur here on the occasion of the Day of the Sun (April 15).
The festival has been an annual international art event commemorating the birthday of President Kim Il Sung since Juche 71 (1982).
The festival this year which commemorates his 90th birth anniversary will bring together over 90 art groups made up of international and national concours winners and famous actors and actresses from at least 60 countries on the five continents, art troupes of overseas compatriots and Korean artistes.
Nearly 1,000 foreign artistes will put on the stage colorful programs including vocal music, dances, instrumental music and acrobatics.
Separate and group performance will be given during the festival. certificates of merit, monetary prizes and other prizes will be awarded to successful organizations and individuals.
The 5th aesthetic symposium on the present times and national art will be held during the festival.
During the festival its participants will have an opportunity to visit monumental edifices and the Ryongmun Cavern and other scenic spots in the DPRK.
And they will have the privilege to enjoy the mass gymnastic and artistic performance "Arirang" to be staged amid keen interest and expectation of the people at home and abroad.
Credentials to Kim Yong Nam from new Swedish ambassador
Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- A national meeting was held at the April 25 House of Culture today to commemorate the 9th anniversary of leader Kim Jong Il's election as Chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission.
Kim Jong Il was elected Chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission at the fifth session of the 9th Supreme People's Assembly held on April 9, juche 82 (1993). And he was reelected Chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission at the first session of the 10th Supreme People's Assembly at which the authority and position were increased to meet the requirements of the developing revolution.
Senior party and state officials were present at the meeting.
Vice Marshal 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, made a report at the meeting.
The reporter said that with Kim Jong Il held in high esteem as the chairman of the NDC, the Korean people have been able to greet the era of the great army-based policy and strengthen the political, military and economic forces of the country as invincible ones and thus firmly defend the dignity of the country and the sovereignty of the nation despite the stern tempest of history and dynamically push forward the socialist cause of the Juche.
The reporter further said:
After singling out the policy of giving priority to national defence, the army-based policy, as the main political method of the state he has exerted primary efforts for increasing the military power and thus developed the Korean People's Army, the core of the forces for self-defence, to be invincible army.
In this course he has provided a sure guarantee for ensuring the progress of the revolutionary cause of Juche by force of arms.
Under his army-based leadership and meticulous care, the KPA has grown stronger to be a contingent of loyalists who are single-heartedly united around its Supreme Commander and a-match-for-a-hundred combat ranks capable of defeating any enemy, the whole country turned into an impregnable fortress and a powerful defence industry has been built.
A strong driving force of the revolution has been built up and the single-hearted unity of the revolutionary ranks further strengthened with the KPA as the core and a model to consolidate the socio-political foundation of the country as firm as a rock. This is a distinguished feat performed by Kim Jong Il through his army-based leadership.
The reporter underscored the need to be fully ready to go into action to cope with the prevailing situation and strengthen our armed forces to be invincible ones.
Noting that it is the primary task facing the KPA to get fully prepared for a battle, he called upon the servicemen of the KPA to wipe out at a single blow any enemy coming to infringe upon the country's sovereignty and reliably defend the socialist motherland and the gains of the revolution.
Referring to the evermore undisguised moves of the U.S. ruling quarters to stifle the socialist system of the DPRK by force of arms, Kim Yong chun stated: the DPRK will never tolerate the U.S. extremely arrogant and high-handed provocative moves but retaliate against them a thousand times.
If the U.S. imperialists and their followers ignite a war in the end, the army and people of Korea will use the military potential they have built up by tightening their belts and give vent to the pent-up grudge and resentment and thereby wipe out the aggressors to the last one and completely destroy the enemy's stronghold no matter where it is located on earth.
He called for consistently making great efforts for the development of the nation's defence industry and thoroughly implementing the Workers' Party of Korea policy for putting all the people under arms and turning the whole country into a fortress.
The reporter reiterated the need to remain true to the basic spirit of the historic June 15 North-South Joint Declaration, resolutely frustrate the obstructive moves of the anti-reunification forces at home and abroad and achieve as early as possible the country's reunification, the nation's cherished desire by the concerted efforts of the whole nation.