Floral Basket Laid before Portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il

     Pyongyang, October 17 (KCNA) -- Chikez Diemu, general secretary of the National Executive Committee of the People's Party for Rehabilitation of Democratic Congo and Democracy, visited the DPRK embassy in the country, placed a floral basket before the portraits of President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il and paid tribute to them on October 10 on the occasion of the 6th anniversary of Kim Jong Il's election as general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and the 58th anniversary of the WPK. Meanwhile, the Movement of the Libyan Revolution Committee sent a large bouquet in the name of the movement together with a congratulatory message to the DPRK embassy on Oct. 9.

Anniversary of DPRK Red Cross Society Marked

     Pyongyang, October 17 (KCNA) -- A meeting took place in Pyongyang yesterday on the occasion of the founding anniversary of the DPRK Red Cross Society. The participants conversed with each other about the Red Cross activities, deepening their friendly feelings.
    An art performance was given by young members of the Red Cross Society.

Foreign Diplomats Visit Kaechon-Lake Thaesong Waterway

     Pyongyang, October 17 (KCNA) -- The Economic and Commercial Councilors' Corps here visited the Kaechon-Lake Thaesong Waterway yesterday on the occasion of the 58th anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea and the 77th anniversary of the Down-with-Imperialism Union. The guests were briefed on the fact that servicepersons of the People's Army and builders built the waterway as a great monumental edifice in the Songun era, overcoming obstacles and difficulties in the revolutionary soldier spirit and the revolutionary spirit of fortitude under the adverse conditions where they were hard pressed for everything.
    They looked round the Taegak Youth Dam and other structures and the waterway extending more than 150 km.

Pyongyang Medical Science Symposium Held

     Pyongyang, October 17 (KCNA) -- The 5th Pyongyang Medical Science Symposium of Compatriots at Home and Abroad was held on Oct. 16. At the symposium Choe Chang Sik, chairman of the Central Committee of the Korean Medical Association, made an opening speech which was followed by congratulatory speeches of Kim Chun Saeng, adviser to the Korean Medical Workers Association in Japan, and Sin Sang Jin, former president of the south Korean Doctors Association.
    They expressed the belief that the medical scientists in the north, the south and overseas would discuss at the symposium successes and experience gained in scientific researches for lifting national medical science to the world level and consult ways of invigorating exchange and cooperation in medical science and technology.
    The symposium was divided into presentation of scientific papers, scientific seminar and seminars of specialized sections.
    Presented and made public at the symposium were valuable scientific achievements and precious experience for solving scientific and technological questions standing out with urgency in medical practice in the present times and applying to the prevention and treatment of diseases successes of ultra-modern science and technology in conformity with the global trend of the development of medical science and technology.

Korean People to Force Japan to Pay Dearly for All Its Crimes

     Pyongyang, October 17 (KCNA) -- Unprecedentedly savage suppression of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) and Koreans in Japan is reported from Japan, timed to coincide with the frantic anti-DPRK racket under the pretext of its "nuclear and abduction issues". Commenting on this, Rodong Sinmun today terms such terrorism against Chongryon organizations and Koreans in Japan a concentric expression of the hostile policy toward the DPRK undisguisedly pursued at the tacit connivance of the Japanese government and under its patronage.
    It goes on:
    The Japanese reactionaries are these days escalating their anti-DPRK smear campaign over the "nuclear and abduction issues" of the DPRK. Through this intensified suppression and terrorism against Chongryon organizations and Koreans in Japan they seek to wrest a sort of concession from the DPRK and attain their sinister political and military purposes.
    Chongryon is an inviolable overseas citizens' organization and a legitimate organization of the DPRK. Moreover, it has performed the mission and role as a diplomatic mission for friendship with Japanese people in the absence of the diplomatic relations between the DPRK and Japan.
    It is quite natural for the army and people of the DPRK to call for strongly reacting against the reckless suppression and terrorism of the Japanese right-wing gangsters against Chongryon and Koreans in Japan, considering them as deliberate political and military provocations of the Japanese government to the DPRK.
    There exists long-standing confrontational sentiment between the two countries. The Japanese government's hostile policy toward the DPRK and Chongryon is little short of adding to the crimes committed by the Japanese imperialists against the Korean people in the past. It only stirs up the bitterness of the army and people of the DPRK towards Japan.
    The DPRK can never allow any slightest compromise and concession on the encroachment upon the dignity of the nation and the sovereignty of the country. It will take only a powerful self-defensive step against the violation.
    The Korean people will certainly force Japan to pay dearly for its double and treble crimes. .

Minju Joson Dismisses U.S. Rumor over Nuclear Issue

     Pyongyang, October 17 (KCNA) -- The U.S. has no face to talk about a "peaceful solution" to the nuclear issue between the DPRK and the U.S., says Minju Joson today in a signed commentary. The U.S. is working hard to create impression that it is interested in the "peaceful solution" to the nuclear issue, the commentary notes, and continues:
    The U.S. has never contemplated about the settlement of the nuclear issue between the DPRK and the U.S. This is clearly evidenced by the fact that the U.S. has adamantly refused to give up its anachronistic hostile policy toward the DPRK.
    The U.S. is set to further step up its hostile policy toward the DPRK. This is clearly evidenced by the following facts.
    The U.S. has escalated the international "blockade and pressure" upon the DPRK, while staging a "naval inspection exercise" and raising a hue and cry over its non-existent "flesh traffic." And it has massively deployed aggression armed forces in and around the Korean peninsula to increase its military threat and blackmail against the DPRK, thus deliberately coiling up tensions.
    The U.S. has never fulfilled its commitments to solve the nuclear issue between the DPRK and the U.S. Yet, it is now vociferous about a "peaceful settlement" of the nuclear issue. Why?
    In a word, the U.S. invariably seeks to mislead the world public demanding a fair and earlier solution to the nuclear issue between the DPRK and the U.S., buy time to step up its military preparations to stifle the DPRK and thus stifle it in the end.
    The DPRK is also entitled to have an option and free to take any action.
    It will continue to increase its self-defensive nuclear deterrent force to cope with the U.S. invariable hostile policy toward the DPRK and persistent moves to stifle it by force.
    The U.S. is well advised to understand the DPRK's stand and have a proper option.

Anniversary of DIU Marked

     Pyongyang, October 17 (KCNA) -- 77 years have passed since the formation of the Down-with-Imperialism Union (DIU) by President Kim Il Sung on Oct. 17, Juche 15 (1926). In this regard Rodong Sinmun today in a signed article says that the famous work "The Workers' Party of Korea Is a Juche-Type Revolutionary Party Which Inherited the Glorious Tradition of the DIU" published by leader Kim Jong Il on Oct. 17, Juche 71 (1982) holds an especially important position in the noble history of the WPK which has led the Korean revolution to victory by carrying forward the tradition of DIU.
    Basing himself on a lucid analysis of the great historic significance of the formation of the DIU in the history of the WPK and its revolutionary struggle, Kim Jong Il clearly indicated the way of successfully inheriting and developing the glorious tradition of the DIU, the article says.
    Noting that Songun politics is an invincible treasured sword making it possible to thoroughly apply to the revolution and construction the steadfast idea and principle of independence against imperialism set forth by the DIU, the article goes on:
    The idea and revolutionary principle of independence against imperialism set forth by the DIU have been firmly defended through decades of the Korean revolution and, at present, they are comprehensively introduced in all fields of the activities of the Party and the state by the Songun politics of Kim Jong Il.
    Songun politics is a mighty politics which helps carry forward and develop the tradition of great unity provided by the DIU.
    As long as there is the Songun politics of Kim Jong Il, the tradition of single-hearted unity established by the DIU will be immortal and the Korean revolution will always emerge victorious with the might of single-hearted unity.
    Songun politics is the motive power of creation and change that helps build a great prosperous powerful socialist nation on this land by carrying forward the revolutionary spirit of the DIU.
    The army and people of the DPRK will uphold the Songun politics of Kim Jong Il with loyalty to resolutely defend and accomplish the revolutionary cause of Juche pioneered by the DIU.

News Briefing at Russian Embassy

     Pyongyang, October 17 (KCNA) -- A news briefing was held at the Russian embassy here on October 16 on the result of presidential election in the Republic of Chechnya of the Russian Federation. Ambassador Andrei Karlov in his address said the presidential election successfully held in Chechnya at the free will of its people was an election fully conforming to democratic principles and publicly accepted standards of international law and through it the people showed their confidence in the governments of the Russian Federation and the Republic and expressed their will to keep the Republic as a constituent member of the federation.
    The Russian leadership will pay deep attention to the social and economic rehabilitation of Chechnya and bend sustained efforts to it with increased investments in economy on the basis of sizable achievements made in many fields, the ambassador stated.
    Answers were given to questions raised.
    Present there were newspaper, news agency and radio reporters in Pyongyang and officials of the Russian embassy.

Russian Diplomats Visit International Friendship Exhibition

     Pyongyang, October 17 (KCNA) -- Officials of the Russian embassy here including its ambassador Andrei Karlov visited the International Friendship Exhibition on October 15 on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the DPRK and the Russian Federation. After entering the exhibition they stood before the wax replica of President Kim Il Sung, who is highly praised by the world people for his immortal great feats performed on behalf of the times and history, and paid tribute to him in profound reverence.
    They looked round with keen interest gifts Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il received from heads of foreign parties and states, political and public figures as well as people from all walks of life.
    At the end of the visit the ambassador said that all the gifts preserved with deep care and on display clearly show what a high international authority Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il enjoy.
    The ambassador wrote in the visitor's book that the gifts on display helped them know well about the high international authority of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, the world recognized statesmen.

KCNA on U.S. Talk about "Peaceful Solution to Nuclear Issue"

     Pyongyang, October 17 (KCNA) -- The United States is talking a lot about a "peaceful solution" to the nuclear issue between the DPRK and the U.S. Officials of the Bush administration are busy publicizing a "peaceful solution to the nuclear issue," asserting that the U.S. is ready to positively push forward a proposal for a peaceful settlement of the nuclear issue whenever an opportunity presents itself.
    This is, however, nothing but a trick to deceive the public.
    While paying lip-service to a "peaceful solution to the nuclear issue," the U.S. is seeking, in actuality, to bring the DPRK to its knees by pressurizing it to "scrap its nuclear program first."
    This was proved by its attitude taken at the six-way talks held in Beijing and in the subsequent period.
    The DPRK took a flexible, fair and aboveboard measure at the talks, taking into consideration the urgent need to solve the nuclear issue between the DPRK and the U.S., the nature of the present situation and intentions of the countries concerned in particular.
    But the U.S. neither expressed its will to make a switchover in its hostile policy toward the DPRK nor confirmed its stand to co-exist with the DPRK peacefully, rendering the talks fruitless.
    Since the talks the U.S. blockade and pressure upon the DPRK have been escalated. It tightened the international siege to the DPRK and staged a sea inspection exercise and intensified the espionage against it by mobilizing new type unmanned reconnaissance plane "Shadow 200".
    The U.S. talk about such "peaceful solution" can not but be a mockery of the international community.
    The nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula is a product of the U.S. hostile policy against the DPRK and the U.S. nuclear threat to it. The key to settling the issue lies in whether the U.S. makes a bold decision to make a switchover in its policy toward the DPRK or not.
    The nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula can never find a solution unless the U.S. makes a bold switchover in its policy towards the DPRK.
    The U.S. clamor for a "peaceful solution" without dropping its hostile policy toward the DPRK is nothing but a deceptive trick to detain its dialogue partner in the conference hall and gain time in a bid to meet its needs and stifle Pyongyang in the end.
    The DPRK has neither interest nor expectation for any talks where the U.S. remains dead-set against making a switchover in its hostile policy toward the DPRK and the conclusion of a non-aggression treaty with it.
    The U.S. should stop paying lip-service to a "peaceful settlement" and clarify its will to make a switchover in its hostile policy toward the DPRK without delay.

Gift to Kim Jong Il from Regional Office Director of WHO

     Pyongyang, October 17 (KCNA) -- Leader Kim Jong Il received a gift from the director of the South-East Asia Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO). It was conveyed to DPRK Foreign Minister Paek Nam Sun by Director Uton Muchtar Rafei on a visit to the DPRK.

12th Inter-Korean Ministerial Talks Close

     Pyongyang, October 17 (KCNA) -- The 12th North-South Ministerial Talks that were opened in Pyongyang on Oct. 14 were closed on Oct. 17. At the talks our side called for offering and reaching an agreement on practical proposals arising in north-south relations such as the issue of stopping the north and south from impairing and insulting the system of the other party contrary to the June 15 joint declaration, the issue of stopping broadcasting slander toward the other party in the forefront area, the issue for the authorities of both sides to step up the construction of the Kaesong Industrial Zone, one of the work for unified development of the national economy and the issue of sending back this year all the unconverted long-term prisoners in the area of the south side who want their repatriation to the north and completing the construction of a meeting house of separated families and relatives at the Mt. Kumgang resort till Harvest Moon Day next year in order that both sides should settle the humanitarian question.
    But the practical matters for development of inter-Korean relations failed to be settled at the talks owing to the opposition of the south side.
    A joint press release was made public at the talks.
    According to it, at the talks both sides fully expressed the stand of each other on the urgent matters and made exhaustive discussions and agreed to continue cooperation in order to achieve peace on the Korean peninsula and promote reconciliation and cooperation between the north and the south in the basic spirit of the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration.
    The north and the south agreed to boost inter-Korean economic cooperation and hold the 7th meeting of the North-South Committee for the Promotion of Economic Cooperation early in November, 2003 in Pyongyang.
    They also agreed to hold the 13th inter-Korean ministerial talks in Seoul from Feb. 3 to 6, 2004.

Messages Exchanged between Foreign Ministers of DPRK and Mongolia

     Pyongyang, October 17 (KCNA) -- The foreign ministers of the DPRK and Mongolia exchanged messages of greetings on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. DPRK Foreign Minister Paek Nam Sun in a message expressed the belief that the traditional friendly relations between the two countries based on the close relations established by President Kim Il Sung in his lifetime with the leaders of Mongolia would grow stronger in various fields in conformity with the desire and interests of the two peoples in the future, too.
    Mongolian Foreign Minister Luvsangiin Erdenechuluun in a message noted with satisfaction that the traditional and friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries are positively developing in the spirit of the treaty of friendship and cooperation signed in 2002. He wished the DPRK people success in their work for the peaceful reunification of the country and its prosperity and development.

South Side's Delegation Visits Various Places

     Pyongyang, October 17 (KCNA) -- The south side's delegation that came here to participate in the north-south broadcasters' seminar visited various places in Pyongyang and local areas. The members of the delegation visited the old homes in Mangyongdae and the secret camp of Mt. Paektu where the peerlessly great men were born. Being briefed on the immortal stories about the old homes, they went round relics with keen interest.
    During their stay in the area of Mt. Paektu, they climbed up the summit of the mountain and commanded a bird's-eye view of the fantastic scenery of the holy mountain covered with snow and the superb beauty of Lake Chon. They also visited the Samjiyon Grand Monument.
    They went round the Tower of the Juche Idea, the Arch of Triumph, the TV Broadcasting Hall of the Radio and TV Broadcasting Committee of the DPRK, etc.
    They went to the Mangyongdae Schoolchildren's Palace. They looked round various hobby group rooms of the palace and enjoyed an art performance given by circle members there.

Kim Yong Nam Meets Koreans in U.S.

     Pyongyang, October 17 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, today met and had a conversation with Son Won Thae, a Korean in the United States, and his party in an atmosphere overflowing with compatriotic feelings at the Mansudae Assembly Hall.

South Side's Delegation Leaves

     Pyongyang, October 17 (KCNA) -- The south side's delegation with Jong Se Hyon, minister of Unification, as chief delegate left here today after participating in the 12th North-South Ministerial Talks. It was seen off at the airport by delegates of the north side to the talks.

Congratulations to Chinese Party and State Leaders

     Pyongyang, October 17 (KCNA) -- Leader Kim Jong Il, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the National Defence Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, together with Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, and Pak Pong Ju, premier of the DPRK Cabinet, today sent a congratulatory message to Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and president of the People's Republic of China, Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the PRC, and Wen Jiabao, prime minister of the Chinese State Council, on the successful launch of the first manned spaceship in China . The message said that the launch of the manned spaceship in China is a significant event which demonstrated that its overall national power has further increased and its science and technology reached a high level.
    It sincerely wished the Chinese people greater success in their future work to modernize the country and further develop the space science and technology under the leadership of the CPC with Hu Jintao as its general secretary.

For Spanish-speaking people

Kim Jong Il recibe presente de director de una oficina regional de la OMS

     Pyongyang, 17 de octubre (ATCC) -- Al Dirigente Kim Jong Il le dirigio presente el director de la oficina regional del sudeste asiatico de la Organizacion Mundial de la Salud de visita en Corea. Lo entrego el director Urun Muktar Lapei al Ministro coreano de Relaciones Exteriores Paek Nam Sun.

Hacen llegar cestos de flores a embajadas de la RPDC

     Pyongyang, 17 de octubre (ATCC) -- Con motivo del 6 aniversario de la eleccion del Dirigente Kim Jong Il como Secretario General del Partido del Trabajo de Corea y el 58 aniversario de la fundacion de esta agrupacion politica, Chikez Diemu, secretario general del Comite Ejecutivo Nacional del Partido Popular para la Reconstruccion y la Democracia del Congo Democratico visito el dia 10 la Embajada de Corea en su pais y rindio tributo al Presidente Kim Il Sung y al Dirigente Kim Jong Il tras colocar un cesto de flores al pie de sus retratos.
    Por otra parte, el dia 9, el Movimiento del Comite Revolucionario de Libia hizo llegar un cesto de flores de gran tamano y una carta de felicitacion a la Embajada de la RPDC.

Especifica banda femenina de instrumentos de viento

     Pyongyang, 17 de octubre (ATCC) -- La banda femenina de instrumentos de viento del Ministerio de Seguridad del Pueblo cumple el 7 aniversario de su fundacion. Esta banda organizada el 17 de octubre del 85 (1996) de la Era Juche es un especifico conjunto en que se combina magnificamente los ritmos elegantes y hermosos con el diestro metodo de interpretacion de las ejecutantes y los habiles movimientos de las directoras con el baston en la mano.
    En el tiempo transcurrido la banda acaparo la atencion de la gente por su tipica y original interpretacion en los importantes actos nacionales e internacionales como los de recepcion a los jefes de los Estados, el Festival Artistico de Amistad Abril en Primavera, actos por la reunificacion de los coreanos del Norte y el Sur y en ultramar y la funcion gimnastico-artistica masiva "Arirang".
    En una corta historia la banda se convirtio en un grupo musical muy experto y capaz de interpretar y describir en varias formas cualesquiera obras y canciones famosas del mundo conforme a sus contenidos ideologico-tematicos.
    Ademas, cuenta con premiadas con el "Premio Artistico del 16 de Febrero" y otras directoras y coreografas competentes y un ordenado sistema para la formacion de interpretes de relevo.
    Hoy, este conjunto artistico incita el espiritu y el orgullo de la nacion coreana y asi gana reputacion de las masas populares.

Vasijas coreanas de larga historia

     Pyongyang, 17 de octubre (ATCC) -- Las vasijas coreanas tienen larga historia. Primeras vasijas aparecieron en la epoca neolitica.
    De las reliquias de Namgyong y Phyodae de la comuna de Honam del municipio de Samsok y de la comuna de Kumthan del municipio de Sadong, de la ciudad de Pyongyang, las reliquias de las comunas de Jithap y Masan del distrito de Pongsan de la provincia de Hwanghae del Norte, y las otras de la epoca neolitica salieron muchas vasijas de comida.
    Los representantes son escudillas de laton, tazones grandes, cuencos pequenos, copas, vasos, etc.
    La diversidad de vasijas demuestra que desde la antiguedad los coreanos cocinaron en varias formas los platos entre otros, los de arroz, harina, carne de animales y pescado, licor o vino de arroz refinado y los utilizaron en la vida alimentaria. Todas las vasijas fueron fabricadas conforme a la peculiaridad de articulos de uso diario tanto en vista del valor del uso como a la luz del valor artesanal.
    Las formas de vasijas son sencillas, comodas y exquisitas.
    Las vasijas tienen en su parte exterior pulida los dibujos de cinta en linea de puntos y de hojas de abeto y dibujos salomonicos.
    Las vasijas coreanas de larga historia y tradicion se desarrolla incesantemente conforme a la creciente demanda de la vida alimentaria de las personas y al sentimiento estetico de la epoca.

Acto por el dia de fundacion de la Asociacion de la Cruz Roja de la RPDC

     Pyongyang, 17 de octubre (ATCC) -- Tuvo lugar el dia 16 en esta capital el acto por el Dia de la fundacion de la Asociacion de la Cruz Roja de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea. Los participantes conversaron sobre los problemas relativos a las actividades de la cruz roja fomentando el sentimiento de amistad.
    En la ocasion se ofrecio una funcion artistica de los miembros jovenes y ninos de la asociacion de Cruz Roja.