U.S. Forces side urged to stop provocations in Panmunjom

    Pyongyang July 1 (KCNA) -- The security officer of our side in the joint security area in Panmunjom answered a question put by KCNA today as regards the U.S. Forces side's frequent provocations against servicemen of the DPRK in the area. He said:
    As widely known to the world, Panmunjom is the place where soldiers of the two belligerent sides stand in acute military confrontation with a just 50 cm wide demarcation line in between.
    Therefore, not only military provocations against the other side but a trifling act of getting on the nerves of soldiers on duty in this area may immediately lead to a military clash.
    It is clearly evidenced by the "Panmunjom incident" in the 1970s and the "Panmunjom firing incident" in the 1980s.
    The U.S. Forces side frequently committed provocations which might spark clashes between both sides. Some days ago, it seriously threatened our soldiers on routine guard duty over the front line radio near the joint security area in Panmunjom, saying "We will use arms unless KPA soldiers are withdrawn." And they behaved themselves disgracefully in front of our soldiers in the joint security area.
    The U.S. Forces side seems to be forgetful that the merciless arms of our security officers in the area are always fully ready to fire as they are on highest alert.
    It stoops to such infamy to provoke our side as displaying the flags of Denmark and Norway, which did not participate in the Korean War, in the conference room of the "military armistice commission" jointly used by both sides.
    Not only our army and people but the foreigners visiting Panmunjom are angered at the base acts of the U.S. Forces side.
    The U.S. Forces side should immediately stop the political and military provocations against our servicemen in Panmunjom, bearing in mind what a high price the aggressors, provocateurs were forced to pay by our army.

U.S. is to blame for armed clash in West Sea of Korea

    Pyongyang, July 1 (KCNA) -- A spokesman for the DPRK Foreign Ministry gave the following answer to a question raised by KCNA today as to the smear campaign launched by the United States against the DPRK over the armed clash that occurred in the West Sea of Korea recently: The United States groundlessly pulled up the DPRK, claiming that the armed clash which occurred in the West Sea of Korea on June 29 was an "armed provocation" made by the Pyongyang side.
    This incident occurred as the South Korean naval vessels intruded into the territorial waters of the north side and fired first hundreds of bullets and shells at the patrol boats of the navy of the Korean People's Army on routine coastal guard duty.
    As the truth of the incident shows, the intrusion into the territorial waters of the north side and preemptive firing made by the South Korean forces was an outright provocation and the north side's retaliatory firing was a self-defensive step and legitimate self-defence.
    The "northern boundary line" which the south side claimed was crossed by the patrol boats of the KPA navy is not mentioned in the armistice agreement and it is a bogus line illegally drawn by the U.S. as it pleased in the territorial waters of the DPRK side without any agreement with it after signing the a.a.
    The intrusion of many warships and fishing boats of the south side deep into the territorial waters of our side under the pretext of such bogus line was a grave act of aggression.
    The U.S. that has the prerogative of supreme command over the South Korean forces must know about such intrusion and provocations perpetrated by the warships of the South Korean navy and can never flee from the responsibility for them.
    It is, therefore, preposterous for the U.S. to take issue with the DPRK and it is just like the thief turning on the master with a club.
    All facts clearly prove that the incident was orchestrated by the United States to drive a wedge between the north and south of Korea because it was displeased with the progress made in the inter-Korean relations and has put a brake on it from the outset.
    The third parties concerned with the peace and security on the Korean Peninsula should pay due attention to the illegality of the "northern boundary line", the basic cause of the incident, before telling this or that about the incident without knowing well about its truth.
    Oherwise, they will get embroiled in the base plot-breeding operation, unable to discern between lies and truth.
    The issue of sovereignty is quite different from the issue of dialogue.
    We will in the future, too, not pardon anyone encroaching upon the sovereignty of the DPRK but take a decisive retaliatory step for self-defence by all means.

Canadian governor-general refers to exchange and cooperation with DPRK

Pyongyang, July 1 (KCNA) -- Canadian governor-general Adrienne Clarkson laid stress on developing exchange and cooperation between Canada and the DPRK. The governor-general, when receiving credentials from the new DPRK ambassador on June 24, said that the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries opened a broad avenue to further promote the friendly relations.
Noting that she was well aware that the ongoing mass gymnastic and artistic performance "Arirang" is attracting great popularity in the DPRK. She put emphasis on developing exchange and cooperation between the two countries in different fields including culture and art.

KCNA slams U.S. for harassing global peace

    Pyongyang, July 1 (KCNA) -- The United States is keen to establish such Missile Defence System (MD) and step up such war preparations as starting an underground interceptor missile hangar in Alaska and developing a new type nuclear weapon after making an interceptor missile test fire once again, arousing a serious concern among the international community. The U.S. claims that the MD is meant to defend the U.S. mainland from the missile strikes of the so-called "rogue states".
    But it is well-known a fact that the system is aimed to make the nuclear and missile deterrent forces of the big powers, rivals of the U.S., powerless and realize its unchallenged world strategy.
    Given the existence of nuclear and strategic weapons in the world, it is beyond doubt that the U.S. establishment of the MD would disturb the world strategic stability and lead those countries that are interested in this to a worldwide arms race.
    Regarding the hot arms race conducted during the Reagan administration as the main reason behind the collapse of the former Soviet Union, the Bush administration intends to invent another arms race and thus totally contain the big powers and put the world under the neo-colonial domination.
    What should not be overlooked is that the U.S. is getting all the more undisguised in its dangerous manoeuvres to ignite a new war in the Korean Peninsula and the Asia-Pacific region as evidenced by the multi-national military exercise staged in the Pacific in the wake of the large-scale fleet manoeuvres in South Korea.
    For their vast economic potential and geo-political importance, the Korean Peninsula and the Asia-Pacific region remain strategic vantages for which the U.S. has always given eyeteeth to expand the sphere of its political and military influence there.
    All facts go to prove that the United States is set to start a new war to put the Asia-Pacific region under its control by invading the DPRK and, at the same time, reaffirm that the U.S. is, indeed, a cancer-like entity harassing global peace. The world community should be on guard against the U.S.
    If the U.S. reckless war preparations are allowed, the world are hound to meet disasters of a nuclear war.

Over 190 cases of U.S. aerial espionage and war exercises under fire

    Pyongyang, July 1 (KCNA) -- The U.S. imperialist warmongers committed over 190 cases of aerial espionage on the DPRK in June by mobilizing strategic and tactical reconnaissance planes of various missions, according to military sources. On June 29 a "U-2" high-altitude strategic reconnaissance plane from the U.S. airforce base in South Korea made a long flight over Tokjok islet, Phochon and Sokcho for electronic reconnaissance over strategic targets in the north.
    On June 25 a commanding plane "E-3" spied on areas of the north side along the military demarcation line, while commanding war planes in war exercises in the skies over Kumsan, Yongdong and Ansong.
    On June 13, 17 and 18, eight "RC-12" and "RC-7B" tactical reconnaissance planes and on June 27 nine planes of the same types flew over Phochon, Hwachon and Rinje to spy on forefront areas and important targets in the north.
    On June 19 and 26 over 130 fighter bombers, assault planes, refueling tankers and electronic jamming planes and other planes staged air battle drills, aerial target detecting, ground target striking and plane formation saturation strike exercises, etc.
    The air battle exercises staged in the last month with more than 2,100 fighters involved were dangerous plays with fire aimed to perfect its flying corps' combat skills for starting the "second Korean War" at any cost.
    All these war maneuvers clearly prove that the u.s. imperialist hawkish forces are set to stifle the DPRK with a "surprise preemptive attack."

Sakju Recreation Center

    Pyongyang, July 1 (KCNA) -- There are many recreation centres in the DPRK. One of them is the Sakju Recreation Center.
    It was built at the foot of Onjong Hill eight kilometers southwest of Sakju county, North Phyongan Province, in July Juche 66 (1977).
    The center with a plottage of at least 23,000 square meters boasts three two-storied buildings of a unique style, a hot spring bathroom, sports and recreation facilities and all other conditions necessary for the rest of working people.
    The center is surrounded by mountains and a stream is flowing in front of it.
    It is open from April to October and from December to February next year.
    Vacationing period is 15 days.
    More than a hundred working people are now vacationing in the centre, while touring the Chongsudong Revolutionary Site, boating on lake Suphung, playing sports games and mountaineering.

Wonsan University of Fisheries

    Pyongyang, July 1 (KCNA) -- Wonsan University of Fisheries in Wonsan city, Kangwon Province, is a training center for fishery technicians. The fisheries department of Wonsan University of Agriculture was the predecessor of the university which was founded in September Juche 48 (1959).
    With a plottage of 35,000 square meters, the university has fishing, marine products processing, fish breeding and sea culture, and machine engineering departments, institutes and a practice factory.
    The university boasts a stern trawler "Namsan" for practice, an astronomical telescope and other modern educational facilities and experimental apparatuses.
    It has carried on scientific research work to solve many scientific and technical problems arising in the domains of maritime, resources, marine products processing, sea culture, ship-building and fishery machines.

Lacquered crafts in Korea

    Pyongyang, July 1 (KCNA) -- Korea's famous lacquered crafts have a long history. It has been proven by relics dating back to the period of primitive age and ancient Korea and those unearthed in tombs dating back to the period of the three kingdoms of Koguryo, Paekje and Silla including king Ko Kuk Won's mausoleum, a mural tomb believed to be built in the mid-4th century in Oguk-ri, Anak county, South Hwanghae Province, and a mural tomb, a medium-size tomb in Kangso, belonging to the mid-7th century in Sammyo-ri, Kangso district, Nampho city.
    In the period of Koryo (918-1392) lacquered crafts became more popular as workmanship was combined with an inlaid method.
    Typical of lacquered crafts made in the period of Koryo and Ri dynasties are a mother-of-pearl inlaid casket with the landscape of lake shore on it, an incense-burner with flower patterns and openwork cabinets and chests with grape design.
    These crafts inlaid with thin fragments of shells of various patterns are a clear reminder of a high level of development of lacquered crafts and their characteristics at that time.
    Various handicraft creating groups in the DPRK are now working hard to develop lacquered crafts to meet the contemporary aesthetic taste and the requirements of the people.
    Lacquered crafts with mother-of-pearl inlay of high artistic value are very popular at domestic and foreign markets.

Message of solidarity to Fidel Castro Ruz

    Pyongyang, July 1 (KCNA) - General Secretary Kim Jong Il together with Kim Yong Nam, President of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, sent a message of solidarity to Fidel Castro Ruz, first secretary of the C.C., the Communist Party of Cuba, President of the Council of State and President of the Council of Ministers, on June 30. The message said:
    Noting with pleasure that the extraordinary meeting of the Cuban national assembly of people's power recently adopted a decision on amending and supplementing the articles of the law on further consolidating the independent and socialist nature of the state with a unanimous approval, we extend our invariable solidarity to you and, through you, to the party, the government and the people of Cuba on behalf of the WPK, the government and the people of the DPRK.
    The unchangeability and inviolability of the political system of the republic of Cuba has been codified:
    This is an expression of the Cuban people's absolute and unconditional trust and support for the CPC and the Cuban government headed by you and socialism and a telling blow to the United States and the reactionary forces keen to force Cuba to "change the system" in Cuba.
    Highly appreciating the firm will of the CPC, the government and the people of Cuba to oppose imperialism and defend socialism, we sincerely wish you greater success in your work for the victorious advance of the cause of socialism and the happiness of the people.

Greetings to Caricom summit

    Pyongyang, July 1 (KCNA) -- Hong Song Nam, premier of the DPRK cabinet, sent a message of greetings to the 23rd Caricom summit. The message said:
    We are pleased that the 23rd Caricom summit opened amid great concern and expectation of the Caribbean people and offer warm greetings to the heads of the governments of all the countries and officials of the Caricom secretariat participating in the summit.
    The Caricom has made positive efforts to achieve the integration suited to its actual conditions and stability of the region and its sustained economic development despite the rapidly changing political situation in the world, thus making a positive contribution to the common prosperity and promoting the wellbeing of the people.
    We note with high appreciation that the member states of the Caricom are settling regional issues on the principle of equality and reciprocity after setting out a strategy common to the region to meet the baneful challenge of "globalization".
    Please find enclosed a document carrying the principled stand of the DPRK government to preserve and implement to the letter the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration, which provided a landmark occasion in achieving national reconciliation, unity and reunification on the Korean Peninsula. availing myself of this opportunity, I express expectation that the members states of the Caricom, who value justice and peace, will express full support and solidarity with the DPRK in its stand to achieve the independent and peaceful reunification of the country.
    Expressing belief that the friendly and cooperative relations between the DPRK and the member states of the Caricom would continue to favorably develop in the future, too, the message sincerely hoped that the summit would successfully discuss all the agenda items and yield good results.

Russian dance troupe leaves

Pyongyang, July 1 (KCNA) -- The Russian Moiseyev State Academy Folk Dance Troupe led by director Yelena Shervakova left here for home today after winding up an eleven-day visit to the DPRK. During its stay in the DPRK it performed at the April 25 house of culture many times and gave a performance for school youth and children at the Mangyongdae Schoolchildren's Palace.
The troupe saw a performance given by the Mansudae Art Troupe and the mass gymnastic and artistic performance "Arirang" and visited the Tower of the Juche Idea, the revolutionary martyrs cemetery on Mt. Taesong and other places.