Kim Yong Nam Greets South African President
Pyongyang, April 26 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, sent a message of greetings to Thabo Mbuyelwa Mbeki on April 24 upon his reelection as president of the Republic of South Africa.
The message said it was a manifestation of the South African people's deep trust in and expectation on him that he assumed again the heavy duty of presidency.
It wished the president greater successes in his responsible work for peace and stability, progress and prosperity of the country and expressed the belief that the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries would grow in scope and develop.
Damage by Explosion at Ryongchon Railway Station
Pyongyang, April 26 (KCNA) -- As already reported, a strong explosion was caused by the contact of electric lines during the shunt of wagons loaded with nitric ammonium fertilizer and tank wagons at Ryongchon Railway Station in North Phyongan Province, northwestern part of Korea, on April 22.
Damage by the explosion is very serious.
According to the preliminary investigation made so far by a relevant organ, the radius of damage is 2 km and most serious is the damage within the radius of 1.5 km.
The wagon explosion made a 15 meter deep crater.
More than 30 public, industrial and commercial buildings and houses for at least 8,100 families were destroyed. Houses for 1,850 families were leveled and those for 6,250 families partly destroyed.
Those buildings partly destroyed have to be rehabilitated.
At least 150 people were killed and over 1,300 wounded. The number of those missing is still under investigation.
The DPRK government is doing its best to take emergency measures for rehabilitation.
Humanitarian aid from many countries and international organizations is greatly encouraging the Korean people in their efforts to recover from the damage.
First Installment of Emergency Relief Goods from China Arrives
Sinuiju, April 25 (KCNA) -- The first installment of emergency relief goods including food worth 500,000 Renminbi Yuan reached the spot on Sunday. This is part of the relief goods worth 10 million Renminbi Yuan to be donated by the Chinese government to the DPRK in connection with the explosion that occurred at Ryongchon Railway Station, North Phyongan Province.
Gu Jinsheng, economic and trade counsellor of the Chinese embassy in Pyongyang, handed them over to Vice-Chairman of the North Phyongan Provincial People's Committee Choe Rin Se.
Wreaths Laid in Patriotic Martyrs' Cemetery
Pyongyang, April 26 (KCNA) -- Wreaths were laid in the Patriotic Martyrs' Cemetery Sunday on the 72nd anniversary of the Korean People's Army.
Seen on the wreath-laying stand was a wreath from leader Kim Jong Il.
Guards of Honor of the KPA were lined up in the cemetery.
Present at the wreath-laying ceremony were Pak Pong Ju, Han Song Ryong, Kim Ki Nam, and Kim Yong Dae, chairman of the Central Committee of the Korean Social Democratic Party, Ryu Mi Yong, chairwoman of the Central Committee of the Korean Chondoist Chongu Party, officials of the WPK and power bodies, working people's organizations, ministries and national institutions and working people in Pyongyang.
When the band struck up the wreath-laying music, a wreath in the joint name of the WPK Central Committee, the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly and the DPRK Cabinet was laid.
Then there were laid wreaths in the name of working people's organizations, ministries and national institutions, scientific, cultural and art institutions and media organs and the Party and power bodies, factories and farms in the city.
Written on the ribbons hanging from the wreaths were the words "Glory to the Patriotic Martyrs!"
Bouquets and flowers were also laid in the cemetery.
The participants observed a moment's silence in memory of the martyrs.
Meanwhile, wreaths were placed before statues of martyrs, monuments to the fallen fighters and cemeteries of martyrs across the country.
Military Attaches' Corps Lays Wreath in Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery
Pyongyang, April 26 (KCNA) -- The military attaches' corps here laid a wreath in the Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery on Mt. Taesong Sunday on the occasion of the 72nd anniversary of the Korean People's Army The members of the corps laid the wreath in the cemetery in its name and observed a moment's silence in honor of the martyrs.
Written on the ribbon hanging from the wreath were the words "Glory to the Revolutionary Martyrs!"
They laid bouquets before the bust of the anti-Japanese war hero Kim Jong Suk and paid a silent tribute to her memory.
On the same day the corps laid a floral basket before the Monument to Victory in the Fatherland Liberation War.
Floral Baskets Laid before Monument to War Victory
Pyongyang, April 26 (KCNA) -- Floral baskets were laid before the Monument to the Victory in the Fatherland Liberation War Sunday on the 72nd anniversary of the Korean People's Army.
Lined up before the monument was a Guard of Honor of the KPA.
Present there were Kim Il Chol, Ri Yong Mu, Kye Ung Thae, Yang Hyong Sop, Kim Jung Rin, Pak Ki So, Jon Jae Son and officials of organs of the Party and the armed forces, power bodies, working people's organizations, ministries and national institutions and officers and men of the KPA and working people in the city.
When the band struck up the music a floral basket was laid before the statue "Victory", the main theme of the monument, in the name of the Central Committee and the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea.
Then there were laid floral baskets in the name of the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces, working people's organizations, ministries and national offices, KPA units, institutions of science, education, public health and media and the Party, power bodies and factories in the city.
Written on the ribbons hanging from the baskets were the words "Victory and Glory to the Officers and Men of the Heroic Korean People's Army!"
Bouquets and flowers were also laid there.
Ministries and National Institutions Assist Ryongchon County
Pyongyang, April 26 (KCNA) -- Officials of ministries and national institutions are sending quantities of aid materials to the people in the damaged area upon hearing news of a sudden accident in Ryongchon County.
The State Planning Commission, the Ministry of Construction and Building Materials Industries, the Ministry of Forestry and the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications prepared building materials including hundreds of tons of cement and tens of cubic meters of timber and materials and equipment for communications.
Officials of different units including the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Public Health laid up daily necessaries, medicines and other materials of all sorts, eager to help toward recovering from the damage in a short time and bringing a stable life to the local people.
The materials sent by ministries and national institutions were conveyed to the people of Ryongchon County. Encouraged by this, officials and working people in the county are striving to heal the damage at the earliest date possible.
Officials of the Secretariat of the Cabinet are taking necessary measures after acquainting themselves with the damage in the afflicted area.
Stop to Troop Dispatch Urged
Pyongyang, April 26 (KCNA) -- Paek Jong Ho, chairman of the south Korean Federation of University Student Councils (Hanchongryon), on April 21 reportedly made public a statement titled "Stop the forced dispatch of troops to Iraq and immediately withdraw So Hui and Je Ma units".
Recalling that U.S. Vice President Cheney demanded the south Korean authorities dispatch troops at an early date during his recent visit to Seoul, the statement said the authorities' dispatch of an advance detachment was a humiliating act of bowing to this U.S. demand.
The statement went on:
Now the Iraqi situation is being brought to an all-out war by the Iraqi people's resistance to the U.S. unjustifiable war of aggression. The additional dispatch of troops under the cloak of "reconstruction and stability of Iraq" is little short of sending troops to the second Iraqi war as mercenaries of the U.S.
The government should not kneel down to the interference in the internal affairs by the United States which is giving precedence to south Korea-U.S. cooperation and cooperation in troop dispatch, but lend an ear to the opinion of the people and the world. If it forces troop dispatch, giving priority to its "promise" to the U.S., it would face a stern judgment by the people.
The statement demanded the "government" and the 17th National Assembly withdraw the plan of troop dispatch to Iraq and the U.S. immediately discontinue its pressure for it and interference in the internal affairs of the Korean peninsula.
Celebrations Held on Army Day
Pyongyang, April 26 (KCNA) -- Functions took place Sunday to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the Korean People's Army.
An acrobatic performance titled "We will demonstrate the great prosperous powerful nation with the might of Songun" was given by the Pyongyang Moranbong Circus at the Circus Theatre of the KPA.
It was appreciated by senior officials including Kim Yong Nam and Kim Il Chol, members of the DPRK Cabinet, officials of party and armed forces organs, power bodies, public organizations, ministries and national institutions, servicepersons of the KPA, officials of scientific, educational, cultural and art, public health and press institutions, persons of merit and working people in the city.
It was also seen by the chief of the Pyongyang Mission of the National Democratic Front of South Korea.
Among those present there on invitation were diplomatic envoys of different countries and members of the military attaches' corps here and other foreign guests. The performance began with moving horizontal bars "Stalwart fighters."
Put on the stage were colorful numbers including snowflake etude "Snow falling down at night", skill of standing on their heads "We have started from scratch", three-stage flying "Let us advance faster for higher goal to build a great prosperous powerful nation."
Performers successfully represented the militant spirit and optimism of a-match-for-a hundred servicepersons with bold and skillful trick, graceful rhythms and peculiar and dexterous skill.
Meanwhile, a revolutionary drama "Under the banner of victory" dealing with the immortal exploits President Kim Il Sung performed by leading the Fatherland Liberation War to victory was performed at the Pyongyang Art Theatre and a revolutionary opera "I see the victory of revolution" at the Pyongyang Grand Theatre. Art performances also took place at different theatres in Pyongyang, the Hamhung Grand Theatre, the North Phyongan Provincial Art Theatre and other theatres and cultural halls in local areas.
Evening galas of youth and students were held at plazas and squares in front of the Tower of the Juche Idea, the Monument to the Party Founding. the April 25 House of Culture, the Monument to the Victory in the Fatherland Liberation War and other places in Pyongyang and in Phyongsong, Hyesan, Wonsan, Haeju, Kanggye and other local areas on the same day.
Annual Meeting of Sweden-Korea Friendship Association Held
Pyongyang, April 26 (KCNA) -- An annual meeting of the Sweden-Korea Friendship Association was held in Stockholm on April 17.
The meeting summed up the work of the association and its executive members last year and discussed a working plan for this year.
It elected the executive committee of the association.
Greetings to President of Sierra Leone
Pyongyang, April 26 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, sent a message of greetings to Al Haji Ahmed Tejan Kabbah, president of the Republic of Sierra Leone, on April 26 on the occasion of the 43rd anniversary of its independence.
Wholeheartedly wishing him greater success in his responsible work for the peace, stability and social and economic development of the country, the message expressed the belief that the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries would grow stronger and develop.
Seventh Pyongyang International Trade Fair to Be Held
Pyongyang, April 26 (KCNA) -- The Seventh Pyongyang International Trade Fair will be held from mid-May under the sponsorship of the Korean International Exhibition Corporation.
Rolling stocks, machines and equipment, apparatuses for developing up-to-the-minute technologies, electronic, electrical and metal goods, light industrial goods, foodstuffs, daily necessaries and other commodities will be exhibited.
Director of the corporation Ri Su Dok told KCNA that during the fair, companies of many countries will discuss such issues as the promotion of trade and cooperative relations and investment in and economic cooperation with the DPRK.
More than 100 companies from over ten countries including Russia, China, Malaysia, Syria, Thailand and Italy have applied for the participation in the fair and have been registered.
The number of applicants is on the increase.
Over 78,000 pieces of 7,900 items were exhibited in the preceding six rounds of the fair participated in by scores of countries.
In September Juche 91 (2002), the Korean International Exhibition Corporation and Munich International Exhibition Corporation of Germany co-sponsored the Pyongyang International Economic, Technological and Infrastructure Exhibition.
On display there were 50,000-odd pieces of over 3,000 items including energy-convert and storage technology, medical appliances, water-supply and drainage facilities and network technologies, long-distance communication system and goods.
DPRK Doctor's Degree Conferred on Guineans
Pyongyang, April 26 (KCNA) -- The degree of doctor of agricultural science was awarded to Banou Keita, director-general of Kim Il Sung Institute of Agricultural Science in Guinea, and Pathe Diallo, room chief of the institute. They are visiting the DPRK to commemorate the Day of the Sun.
They studied agricultural science and technology and farming method suited to specific local conditions and thus greatly contributed to increasing the agricultural production in Guinea and other West African countries and realizing the south-south cooperation.
An awarding ceremony took place at the People's Palace of Culture on Monday.
Present were Kwak Pom Gi, vice-premier of the DPRK Cabinet who is chairman of the State Commission for Conferring Degrees and Titles, Kang Chun Gum, secretary general of the commission, Ko Kum Hak, vice-president of the Academy of Agricultural Science, and other officials concerned.
A decision of the commission was read out to be followed by the conferment of the certificates of the doctor and medals.
For Spanish-speaking people
Depositan ofrendas florales ante cementerio de martires
Pyongyang, 26 de abril (ATCC) -- Con motivo del 72 aniversario de la fundacion del Ejercito Popular de Corea se depositaron el dia 25 ofrendas florales ante el Cementerio de Martires Revolucionarios en el Monte Taesong.
Estaba colocada la ofrenda floral enviada por el Dirigente Kim Jong Il, Secretario General del Partido del Trabajo de Corea, Presidente del Comite de Defensa Nacional de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea y Comandante Supremo del EPC.
En el cementerio estaban de pie guardias de honor del EPC.
Estuvieron presentes Kim Yong Nam, Yon Hyong Muk, Kim Chol Man, Kim Kuk Thae, Jong Ha Chol, Ri Ul Sol, Kim Ik Hyon, Ri Jong San, Kim Ryong Yon y otros funcionarios de los organos del Partido, las Fuerzas Armadas y el Poder, organizaciones de masas, ministerios y organos centrales, oficiales y soldados del EPC y trabajadores capitalinos.
En medio de la interpretacion de la cancion de la ocasion, se depositaron sendas ofrendas florales a nombre del CC del PTC, del Presidium de la Asamblea Popular Suprema y el Consejo de Ministros de la RPDC, el Ministerio de las Fuerzas Armadas Populares, organizaciones de masas, ministerios y organos centrales, unidades del EPC, organismos de ciencia, educacion, cultura y arte, prensa e informacion, organos del partido y el poder, fabricas y granjas de la ciudad de Pyongyang
En las cintas de las ofrendas se leia: "Gloria a los martires revolucionarios".
Ademas se colocaron ramos y racimos de flores.
Los participantes guardaron un momento de silencio en memoria de los martires revolucionarios.
Ofrendas florales en el Cementerio de Patriotas
Pyongyang, 26 de abril (ATCC) -- Con motivo del 72 aniversario de la fundacion del Ejercito Popular de Corea se depositaron ofrendas florales el dia 25 en el Cementerio de Patriotas.
Estaba colocada la ofrenda floral enviada por el Dirigente Kim Jong Il.
En el cementerio estaban de pie los guardias de honor del EPC.
Participaron Pak Pong Ju, Han Song Ryong y Kim Ki Nam, el presidente del CC del Partido Social-Democrata de Corea Kim Yong Dae, la presidenta del CC del Partido Chondoista Chong-u Ryu Mi Yong, funcionarios de los organos del partido y el poder, organizaciones de masas, ministerios y organismos centrales y trabajadores capitalinos.
Mientras se interpretaba la cancion de la ocasion, se depositaron la ofrenda floral a nombre comun del CC del Partido del Trabajo de Corea, del Presidium de la Asamblea Popular Suprema y el Consejo de Ministros de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea, las otras a nombre de las organizaciones de masas, ministerios, organos centrales, organismos de ciencia, educacion, cultura y arte, prensa e informacion, organos del partido y el poder, fabricas y granjas de la ciudad de Pyongyang.
En las cintas de las ofrendas florales se leia "!Gloria a los martires patriotas!"
Ademas se colocaron ramos y racimos de flores.
Los participantes guardaron un momento de silencio en memoria de los martires.
Por otra parte, ese dia, se depositaron ofrendas florales en las estatuas de bronce de los martires, el Monumentos a los martires del EPC y tumbas de patriotas en distintas localidades.
Cestos de flores ante monumento a la victoria en guerra
Pyongyang, 26 de abril (ATCC) -- Con motivo del 72 aniversario de la fundacion del Ejercito Popular de Corea (EPC), fueron depositados el dia 25 cestos de flores en el Monumento a la Victoria en la Guerra de Liberacion de la Patria.
En el lugar estaban de pie los guardias de honor del EPC.
Estuvieron presentes Kim Il Chol, Ri Yong Mu, Kye Ung Thae, Yang Hyong Sop, Kim Jung Rin, Pak Ki So, Jon Jae Son y otros funcionarios de los organismos del partido, las fuerzas armadas y el poder, organizaciones de masas, ministerios y organos centrales, oficiales y soldados del EPC y trabajadores capitalinos.
Mientras se interpretaba la musica de la ocasion, se deposito ante la escultura de tema principal "Victoria", del monumento, un cesto de flores a nombre comun del Comite Central y la Comision Militar Central del Partido del Trabajo de Corea.
Acto seguido, fueron depositados los cestos de flores a nombre del Ministerio de las Fuerzas Armadas Populares, organizaciones de masas, ministerios y organos centrales, unidades del EPC, organismos de ciencia, ensenanza, salud publica, prensa e informacion, los establecimientos del partido y el poder y fabricas de la capital.
En las cintas de los cestos se leia: "!Victoria y gloria a los oficiales y soldados del heroico EPC!"
Ademas, fueron colocados ramos y ramitas de flores.
Cuerpo de Agregados Militares deposita ofrenda floral
Pyongyang, 26 de abril (ATCC) -- Con motivo del 72 aniversario de la fundacion del Ejercito Popular de Corea, los miembros del Cuerpo de Agregados Militares en Corea depositaron el dia 25 una ofrenda floral ante el Cementerio de Martires Revolucionarios en el Monte Taesong y guardaron silencio en memoria de los martires revolucionarios antijaponeses.
En la cinta de la ofrenda floral se leia: "!Gloria a los martires revolucionarios!"
Tambien colocaron ramos de flores ante el busto de Kim Jong Suk, heroina de lucha antijaponesa, y guardaron silencio en memoria de ella.
El mismo dia, el Cuerpo deposito un cesto de flores ante el Monumento a la Victoria en la Guerra de Liberacion de la Patria.