KCNA blasts IAEA's irresponsible decision
Pyongyang, February 14 (KCNA) -- On Feb. 12 the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency was reported to have discussed the "nuclear issue" of the DPRK and decided to refer it to the United Nations Security Council.
The IAEA interfered in the "nuclear issue" of the DPRK, ignorant of its status in which it withdrew from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, only to provoke derision of the public.
The DPRK in its Government statement dated Jan. 10, 2003 declared its decision to lift a moratorium on the effectuation of its withdrawal from the NPT. So, it took an immediate effect according to a legal procedure.
As the DPRK quit the NPT, there is no legal relation between the DPRK and the IAEA and they have no longer any right and obligation under the treaty including the safeguards agreement that existed between the two sides.
Accordingly, it is an interference in the affair of the DPRK for the IAEA to discuss its "nuclear issue" as it is unreasonable from a legal point of view and in the light of usage of international relations. This only proves once again that the IAEA is no more than a cat's paw of the U.S.
There are sufficient examples to prove this. When the U.S. brought up the "nuclear issue" on the Korean Peninsula again, Baradei, general director of the IAEA, met the U.S. Secretary of State before any others. And no sooner had the U.S. said it would put off the discussion about the "nuclear issue" of the DPRK at the UNSC than he announced the postponement of a meeting of its board of governors. As the U.S. held again that the issue should be brought to the UNSC, he, making a turn on his attitude, convened a meeting of the board of governors on Feb. 12 to adopt a resolution on referring it to the UNSC.
It is not accidental that not a few media paint some members of the IAEA as "shaggy dogs of the U.S."
It is needless to say that for the DPRK to remain a member of the NPT any longer under such circumstances would only bring it greater sufferings and its withdrawal from the NPT was an entirely correct self-defensive step.
By nature, the IAEA is committed to provide for and implement its obligations under the NPT from an impartial stand as it is an organization of the UN.
It is, therefore, irony that such international organization acts at the beck and call of the U.S. as its cat's paw.
It is a universally known fact that it is none other than the U.S. that authored the "nuclear issue" of the DPRK and created the worst situation.
If the IAEA truly wants to fulfil its mission as an organization of the UN, it should refer the United States to the UN for violating the basic spirit of the NPT and all the agreements reached between the DPRK and the U.S. and sparking the present nuclear crisis on the Korean Peninsula, instead of the DPRK's exercise of its legitimate right and step taken to pull out of the NPT in order to protect its sovereignty and vital rights from the U.S. moves to isolate and stifle it.
This is the way for the IAEA to restore the confidence as an international organization, though belatedly.
The very existence of the IAEA will be meaningless if it abandons such international obligation.
It is well advised to stop serving the U.S. any longer and interfering in the "nuclear issue" of the DPRK, though belatedly.
DPRK and UNICEF sign plans for cooperation for 2003
Pyongyang, February 14 (KCNA) -- Choe Su Hon, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, in his capacity as chairman of the national co-ordinating committee for UNICEF in the DPRK, and Richard Bridle, UNICEF representative, signed the joint project plans of the year 2003 on Feb. 10.
In 2003 UNICEF will continue to support humanitarian and development activities aimed at fulfillment of children's rights to a total of us 12.3 million, subject to availability of funds.
Friendship meeting with Iranian embassy officials
Pyongyang, February 14 (KCNA) -- A friendship meeting with staff members of the Iranian embassy here took place at the Pyongyang International Cultural Center on Feb. 13 on the occasion of the 24th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic revolution in Iran.
Present on invitation were Iranian Ambassador Jalaleddin Namini Mianji and embassy officials.
Jon Hyon Chan, vice-chairman of the Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries, and other officials concerned were on hand.
The participants saw an art performance given by pupils.
Exhibition of paintings and writings opens
Pyongyang, February 14 (KCNA) -- An exhibition of paintings and writings of former unconverted long-term prisoners, patriotic champions of reunification, was opened at the Pyongyang International Cultural Center on the occasion of the birthday of Kim Jong Il.
On display are more than 130 pieces of Korean paintings, calligraphic works and other fine art works that have been created by Choe Ha Jong, Choe Son Muk, An Yong Gi, Ri Kyong Chan, Kim Un Hwan, Yang Jong Ho and other former unconverted long-term prisoners in two years after they came back to the socialist homeland.
Among them are calligraphic works "the great general is the sun of our nation," "our general is the son of guerrillas" and "the illustrious commander" which show the trait of Kim Jong Il as a great man.
Calligraphic works include "no one on earth can match those ready to die," "the soul of Mt. Paektu" and "let us lead a worthy life even a moment," which are a style of penmanship, one of the traditional styles of writings of the Korean nation.
Also exhibited are Korean paintings of ten-fold screens "pine trees and cranes," "the embrace of the leader is the sun to all soldiers," "national reunification," "human bombs," etc.
Other pictures reflect the militant spirit of the Korean army and people working hard to hit the high target of building a powerful nation under the army-based leadership of the Workers' Party of Korea. Also on display are calligraphic works sent by former unconverted long-term prisoners who were not allowed to come over to the DPRK owing to the vicious challenge of the anti-reunification forces.
An opening ceremony took place on Feb. 13.
Jang Chol, chairman of the central committee of the General Federation of the Unions of Literature and Arts of Korea, made an opening address.
Senior party, state and army officials visit 7th Kimjongilia Show
Pyongyang, February 14 (KCNA) -- Senior party, state and army officials, chairpersons of friendly parties, members of the cabinet and leading officials of armed forces organs, ministries and national institutions visited the 7th Kimjongilia Show on Feb. 13.
Put on display at the Kimilsungia-Kimjongilia exhibition, the venue of the show, were more than 17,000 potted Kimjongilias.
The visitors went round Kimjongilias on display presented by different units and families who are significantly glorifying the auspicious February Holiday by bringing them into full bloom beautifully despite the unfavorable natural climatic conditions.
They also saw Kimjongilias cultivated by foreigners with sincerity.
U.S. piratical act exposed at press conference
Nampho, February 13 (KCNA) -- Experiencing the illegal aggressive act and looting committed by U.S. imperialists in the open sea in December last year, we keenly realized that they are brutes without an equal and aggressors and provocateurs keen to stifle the DPRK. Crewmen of the DPRK trading cargo ship Sosan said this at a press conference held in Nampho port on Feb. 13 upon their return home.
Captain of the ship Kang Chol Ryong said:
When the ship reached the waters in latitude 10 degrees 51.3 minutes north and longitude 60 degrees 22.4 minutes east after sailing almost past the Indian ocean at around 8 in the morning of Dec. 9 a Spanish-flagged destroyer and rescue boat appeared all of a sudden and a fighter was flying over it at the instigation of the U.S. imperialists. They demanded the ship unconditionally stop.
As the ship continued its voyage, dismissing their demand as unacceptable, they indiscriminately fired at facilities on the deck of the ship, destroying them.
When its crewmen tried to set fire to the ship and sink it in a death-defying spirit, two helicopters airlifted 22 commandos on the ship and another group of at least 40 commandos rushed there by two clippers to occupy its steering and engine cabins.
In the afternoon of Dec. 11 U.S. destroyer no. 46, cruiser no.53, PCE no.59, an aircraft carrier, etc. whose force is enough to fight a war put the trading cargo ship under siege and search.
They arrested our crewmen and transferred them to their cruiser.
Keeping them in custody in a prison-like place, they searched their bodies and did not allow them even to speak. When the crewmen were suspicious of doing anything not to be desired by them, Americans beat them, trampling down even their elementary human rights.
This was part of the premeditated and brigandish moves of the U.S. imperialists to isolate and stifle the DPRK and dominate the world with their policy of strength.
The United States should be fully responsible for this piratical act and make a formal apology and due compensation to the DPRK Government for it.
Crewmen answered the questions raised by reporters.
New stamps issued
Pyongyang, February 14 (KCNA) -- The stamp company of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has issued new stamps.
The stamp issued on the occasion of the New Year 2003 shows the Korean people dynamically advancing towards the goal of the building of a powerful nation under the army-based revolutionary leadership of Kim Jong Il.
The size of the stamp is 33mm45mm and its stock number is 4239. The price is 3 won.
Among the new stamps are those reflecting folk holidays of Korea such as welcoming of full moon, swing, Korean wrestling, full-moon-welcoming dance and peasant dance.
Their size is 51mmx39mm, stock number 4245-4249 and price 3-140 won.
Stamps based on juvenile stories were also issued.
Indonesian Ambassador hosts reception
Pyongyang, February 14 (KCNA) -- Indonesian Ambassador to the DPRK Hendrati Sukendar Munthe hosted a reception at the embassy on Feb. 13 on the occasion of the birthday of Kim Jong Il.
Addressing the reception, the ambassador extended warm congratulations to Kim Jong Il on his birthday. She expressed conviction that the Korean people would surely achieve their cause thanks to his outstanding leadership and great army-based policy.
Noting that the friendly and cooperative relations between Indonesia and the DPRK were provided by President Soekarno and President Kim Il Sung, she said that these friendly relations are growing stronger in all fields under the deep care shown by President Megawati and Kim Jong Il.
The Indonesian people, as close friends of the Korean people, are rejoiced over the achievements made by the DPRK in all fields, she said, adding:
Indonesia extends full support to the Korean people in their efforts to achieve the country's independent and peaceful reunification.
Yang Hyong Sop, Vice-President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, in his reply said that the birth of Kim Jong Il was a great national fortune for the Korean people and a historical event that promised a bright future of the revolutionary cause of Juche.
Kim Jong Il indicated the way to be followed by the times and the revolution with his extraordinary ideological and theoretical wisdom, ushered in the golden days of Juche Korea with his outstanding political ability and provided a lasting foundation for building a powerful nation with his original army-based revolutionary leadership, he said, adding:
We will exert positive efforts to further expand and develop the friendly relations with Indonesia in various fields.
Foreign Minister Paek Nam Sun, Minister of Foreign Trade Ri Kwang Gun and other officials concerned were present there on invitation.
U.S. loudmouthed "dialogue" with DPRK under fire
Pyongyang, February 14 (KCNA) -- The Arab Lawyers Union in a statement on Jan. 22 said that the U.S. proposal for "dialogue" as regards the "nuclear issue" of the DPRK is a cynical ploy.
It is the consistent stand of the DPRK that the DPRK and the U.S. should settle the issue on an equal footing and through a fair negotiation, the statement said, and went on:
The Arab Lawyers Union fully supports the resolute stand of the DPRK to defend the sovereignty, vital right and dignity of the country and the nation under the grave situation in which the supreme interests of the state are exposed to an extreme threat.
It holds that the United States should settle the nuclear issue through unconditional negotiation in a peaceful way.
Japan denounced for rushing headlong into war
Pyongyang, February 14 (KCNA) -- Minju Joson today in a signed commentary denounces Japan for rushing headlong into a war, not peace, when the Iraqi situation seems to be beyond control and the military tension is escalating on the Korean Peninsula.
The commentary says:
Some days ago, the Japanese authorities called on the diet to pass the "emergency bills", ie bills for war, by June when the current diet session will be over.
By "emergency" Japan means the situation where Japan is exposed to a retaliatory attack by any other country in case Japan takes part in the preemptive attack on that country.
This clearly proves that Japan makes the start of a war of aggression a fait accompli and is working hard in that direction.
The Japanese chief executive took the lead in calling for an earlier approval of the war bills. This is aimed not to miss the golden chance to take the road of war. In other words, such call was prompted by a sinister political intention not to miss this opportunity to adopt the legislation aimed to let Japan emerge a war state at a time when the general situation in the world is strained due to the U.S. daily increasing threat of war.
Such act on the part of Japan is little short of self-destruction.
Japan is well advised to bear in mind that if Japan hurries hither and thither to meddle in other's affair, it will only stir up unnecessary trouble.
4th inter-Korean economic meeting held
Seoul, February 14 (KCNA correspondent) -- The 4th meeting of the north-south committee for the promotion of economic cooperation was held in Seoul from Feb. 11 to 14.
At the meeting both sides proposed an action program of the committee and technical ways of carrying it out and discussed them, sharing the view that the Korean nation can successfully solve any problem if they pool their energy and wisdom no matter how the situation may change.
A joint press release was issued there.
According to it, both sides shared a recognition that they would steadily expand and develop the exchange and cooperation now underway between the north and the south in the economic field and agreed to take concrete measures and discuss them to push ahead with the already agreed points including the reconnection of rail and road links, the construction of the Kaesong Industrial Zone and measures for the River Rimjin flood control.
Both sides agreed to hold the 5th meeting of the committee in Pyongyang within April.
Present at the meeting from the north side were members of its delegation led by first vice-chairman of the State Planning Commission Pak Chang Ryon, north side's chairman of the committee, and its suite members and from the south side members of its delegation led by the south side's chairman of the committee, and suite members.
Telephone message to president of S. Korean Red Cross
Pyongyang, February 14 (KCNA) -- Jang Jae On, chairman of the Central Committee of the DPRK Red Cross Society, Friday morning sent a telephone message to the president of the South Korean Red Cross informing him of the north side's decision to take a special measure of allowing South Koreans to use the recently opened temporary road along the east coast to come to the area of Mt. Kumgang for the 6th reunion of separated families and relatives.
The message reads:
We have the pleasure to inform your side of our special measure of allowing separated families and relatives of your side to use the temporary road along the east coast for the 6th reunion of those families and relatives at Mt. Kumgang resort.
Recognizing the fact that this measure carries weighty significance in view of compatriotism, humanitarianism and inter-Korean cooperation, we express the expectation that the 6th reunion of separated families and relatives would positively contribute to promoting reconciliation and unity between the north and the south of Korea and reinforcing the idea and will of "our nation itself".
Floral basket to Kim Jong Il
Pyongyang, February 14 (KCNA) -- A floral basket was presented to Kim Jong Il by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on the occasion of his birthday.
Wu Donghe, Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK, conveyed the floral basket to an official concerned today.
Int'l figure-skating festival for Paektusan Cup opens
Pyongyang, February 14 (KCNA) -- The 12th International Figure-Skating Festival for Paektusan Cup was opened here with a large attendance.
The festival draws attention as it is participated in by figure skaters from various countries who proved successful in the world figure-skating championships, the European figure-skating championships and several other international games.
An opening ceremony took place at the ice rink today.
It was attended by Yang Hyong Sop, Vice-President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, Sin Il Nam, Vice-Premier of the Cabinet, Pak Myong Chol, chairman of the Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission, officials concerned and foreign guests.
Jo Ryong Hyon, vice-chairman of the central standing committee of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, and other overseas Koreans staying in the socialist homeland were also present there.
Figure skaters of the DPRK, Russia, China, France and Canada entered the rink to the tune of "Happy February Holiday."
Addressing the ceremony, Pak Myong Chol said that the festival has opened amidst the concern of the Korean people and the world progressives on the occasion of the birthday of Kim Jong Il (February 16).
Expressing belief that this festival would prove successful thanks to sincere efforts of DPRK sportspersons and all other participants, he declared the festival open.
The DPRK flag and the festival flag were hoisted amidst the playing of "national anthem."
Korean and foreign figure skaters gave demonstration performances.
The festival will last till Feb. 17.
For Spanish-speaking people
concertado acuerdo de cooperacion para ‚Q003 entre rpdc y unicef
pyongyang, 14 de febrero (atcc) -- el vicecanciller choe su hon, presidente del comite nacional de coordinacion de la republica popular democratica de corea del fondo de las naciones unidas para la infancia (unicef) y el representante del unicef en corea richard bridle firmaron el dia 10 el acuerdo de cooperacion para 2003.
segun el documento, unicef asegurara el fondo de cooperacion de mas de 12 millones euros y ayudara las actividades humanitarias y de desarrollo para el fomento del bienestar de los ninos de corea.
tripulantes del barco "sosan" revelan pirateria de los yanquis
nampho, 13 de febrero (atcc) -- los tripulantes del barco mercante "sosan" de la republica popular democratica de corea dijeron que al experimentar directamente los actos de agresion y de saqueo de los imperialistas norteamericanos perpetrados en diciembre pasado en alta mar se sintieron profundamente de que los yankis son los barbaros con quienes no pueden vivir en esta tierra y son agresores y provocadores que actuan locamente para aplastar a la rpdc.
el dia 13, los tripulantes, regresados a la patria, se entrevistaron en el puerto de nampho con los periodistas.
el capitan del barco kang chol ryong dijo:
a eso de las 8 a.m. del dia 9 de diciembre del ano pasado cuando nuestro barco paso casi el oceano indico y llego a la zona maritima entre 10o y 51.3' de latitud norte y 60o y 22.4' de longitud este, aparecieron de repente un destructor y un buque de salvacion de espana y una caza en el espacio aereo sobre el barco bajo la instigacion de ee.uu. y nos impusieron el paro incondicional del barco.
los tripulantes, diciendo que no pudieran aceptar la demanda de los enemigos, continuaron la navegacion. entonces, estos destruyeron las instalaciones sobre la cubierta del barco con tiro concentrado de punteria.
cuando estabamos dispuestos a sumergir a vida o muerte el barco quemandolo, 22 agentes del comando lanzados de dos helicopteros y mas de 40 del comando bajados de dos lanchas ocuparon de improviso las camaras de timonel y maquinas de nuestro barco.
el dia 11 por la tarde, el destructor no. 46, el crucero no. 53 y el buque de escolta no. 59, un portaaviones y otras fuerzas armadas de ee.uu.
rodearon nuestro barco para pesquisarlo.
por otra parte, los enemigos trasladaron a nuestros tripulantes al crucero yanqui, los detuvieron en un lugar como carcel, les pesquisaron los cuerpos sin permitir hablar y, al ver otra expresion, les dieron golpes violando sin piedad hasta el derecho humano elemental.
todo esto constituye un premeditado acto bandidesco que pueden perpetrar solo los imperialistas yanquis que tratan de aislar y aplastar a la rpdc y dominar el mundo con su politica de la fuerza.
ee.uu. debe responsabilizarse enteramente de la presente pirateria, pedir la oficial disculpa y hacer una debida indemnizacion al gobierno de nuestra republica por el respecto.
acto seguido, los tripulantes respondieron a las preguntas de los periodistas.
remedio omnipotente de cumplimiento de la causa socialista
pyongyang, 14 de febrero (atcc) -- el diario "rodong sinmun", en un articulo individual de hoy, senala:
el ejercito y el pueblo de corea frustraron las maquinaciones de aplastamiento de los imperialistas contra la republica popular democratica de corea aun en medio de las dificultades y pruebas sin precedentes y abrieron nueva epoca de la construccion de potencia prospera. esto demuestra claramente cuan es poderosa y justa la politica de priorizacion militar del dirigente kim jong il.
la politica de priorizacion militar del partido del trabajo de corea es la firme garantia para hacer del ejercito revolucionario el invencible de manera que este defienda hasta el fin la patria, el pueblo y el socialismo.
la politica del particular significa convertir el ejercito revolucionario en el invencible ejercito preparado bien en lo politico e ideologico, en lo militar y tecnologico y lograr que toda la sociedad este llena de un ambiente de dar prioridad al fusil y los asuntos militares.
gracias a tal politica nuestro ejercito popular se ha hecho el poderoso ejercito en la ideologia y la fe que esta lleno del espiritu de defender a ultranza al lider y en que se ha establecido firmemente el sistema revolucionario de direccion militar, y el invencible ejercito revolucionario que puede aniquilar implacablemente a los que toquen a nuestra soberania, independientemente de su paradero.
la politica de priorizacion militar del ptc es una poderosa arma que fortalece el sujeto de la revolucion cuyo nucleo es el ejercito popular, grueso de la revolucion y una fuerza motriz que acelera con vigor el conjunto de la construccion socialista tomando por pilar de la revolucion el ejercito.
hoy en dia, en corea se despliega el cuadro del cuerpo integral segun el cual el ejercito popular se pone a la cabeza en la labor para defender a ultranza la direccion de la revolucion y materializar a ultranza la orden del comandante supremo y todo el pueblo vive y lucha con el espiritu revolucionario de los militares.
el ejercito se encarga tanto de la defensa de la patria como de la construccion socialista y realiza brillantes proezas laborales en los dificiles sectores de la economia nacional. esto es un orgulloso cuadro que se puede ver solo en nuestra patria en que se practica la politica de priorizacion militar.