Floral Baskets to DPRK Embassy in Havana

     Pyongyang, September 15 (KCNA) -- Fidel Castro Ruz, first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, president of the Council of State and president of the Council of Ministers of Cuba, sent a floral basket to the DPRK embassy in Havana on the occasion of the 56th birthday of the DPRK. Meanwhile, Minister of Revolutionary Armed Forces Raul Castro Ruz and Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque of the Republic of Cuba separately sent floral baskets to the embassy.

Syrian Prime Minister Visits DPRK Wing of Internatl Fair

     Pyongyang, September 15 (KCNA) -- Muhammad Nazi Otri, prime minister of Syria, visited the DPRK wing of the 51st Damascus International Commodity Fair on Sept. 7. After looking round the wing, the prime minister said that political and economic cooperation between the two countries is favorably developing, adding that the exhibits in the wing showcase the appearance of the DPRK making progress under the wise leadership of Kim Jong Il.

Struggle for Withdrawal of U.S. Forces from S. Korea Called for

     Pyongyang, September 15 (KCNA) -- The International Liaison Committee for Reunification and Peace in Korea in an appeal issued on Sept. 7, 59 years after the U.S. imperialist aggression forces' occupation of south Korea, called upon all peace-loving and progressive anti-U.S. forces of the world to unite close and turn out in the struggle to force the U.S. to completely pull back its forces and military equipment from south Korea. Recalling that the U.S. forces landed on south Korea on Sept. 8, 1945 under the pretext of "disarming the Japanese troops" and proclaimed a military rule, seizing all civil and military rights, the appeal branded their occupation of south Korea as a violation of the sovereignty and independence of the Korean nation.
    It went on:
    For the last 59 years the U.S. troops have been the root cause of unspeakable misfortune and sufferings of the south Korean people. The desire of the south Korean people for socio-political democracy and the ardent will of all the Koreans in the north, south and overseas for the independent and peaceful reunification of Korea can never come true as long as the U.S. forces are present in south Korea.
    The security and peace of the people in Korea and those of the countries around it can never be guaranteed so long as the U.S. forces and their modern combat equipment remain in south Korea.
    Dismissing the projected "reduction" of the U.S. forces in south Korea as a deceptive farce, the appeal said the U.S. plans to spend 13 billion dollars for its forces in south Korea for the three years to come according to the "arms buildup plan" in a bid to arm its forces with modern military equipment, while cutting down their numerical strength, and then their military potential will grow stronger far from getting weak.
    All the progressive forces should not harbour even the slightest illusion about the "reduction" of the U.S. forces in south Korea but turn out in the struggle to eliminate the factors of threatening the reunification and peace of Korea and the security and peace of its people and the rest of the world, the appeal noted.

Solidarity Expressed to Struggle of NDFSK

     Pyongyang, September 15 (KCNA) -- The Swiss Committee for Supportingb Korea's Reunification sent a letter to the Central Committee of the National Democratic Front of south Korea on August 24 on the occasion of its 35th anniversary. The letter said the foundation of the NDFSK was a historic event and brilliant torchlight in the struggle of the south Korean people for national reunification and against the U.S. imperialists.
    The committee supports the patriotic struggle of the NDFSK organizations and vanguard fighters to build an independent and democratic society and reunify the country under the banner of the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration and expresses solidarity with it, declared the letter.
    It wished the NDFSK greater victory in its noble and patriotic struggle.

Total Abolition of SL Urged

     Pyongyang, September 5 (KCNA) -- The Democratic Society for the Study of Law in south Korea reportedly issued a statement on Sept. 8 demanding the total abrogation of the "Security Law" (SL). The statement said the decision of the Constitutional Court that SL conforms to the constitution and the judgment of the Supreme Court refuting the demand for the repeal of the SL were an infringement upon the people's will for democracy.
    Criticizing the Grand National Party opposing the abolition of the SL and misleading public opinion, taking advantage of the decision and judgment, the statement strongly demanded it choose to the repeal of the SL, the only way to fully ensure the freedom of idea, conscience and expression.
    The society calls for the total abolition of the SL that has trampled upon the human rights and democracy for 56 years and opposes the revision of the criminal law aimed at turning it into a security law, declared the statement.

Palestinian Ambassador Hosts Reception

     Pyongyang, September 15 (KCNA) -- Shaher Mohammed Abdlah, Palestinian ambassador e.p. to the DPRK, arranged a reception at his embassy Tuesday evening to mark the 56th birthday of the DPRK. Present on invitation were Mun Jae Chol, acting chairman of the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries, and other officials concerned.
    Speeches were made at the reception.

Russian Army Academic Ensemble Performs for Guests of Honor

     Pyongyang, September 15 (KCNA) -- The visiting Russian Army Academic Song and Dance Ensemble Named after Alexandrov gave a performance for the guests of honor at the April 25 House of Culture Tuesday. Present there on invitation were Vice-Marshal of the Korean People's Army Kim Il Chol, minister of the People's Armed Forces, Jong Ha Chol, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, KPA General Pak Jae Gyong, Kim Jong Ho, chairman of the Central Committee of the General Federation of the Unions of Literature and the Arts of Korea, KPA servicepersons, artistes, working people in the city and military attaches of foreign embassies here.
    Among the audience were N.V. Burbyga, deputy director of the Education General Bureau of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation who is head of the ensemble, Igor Pavlov, military attache of the Russian embassy here, and staff members of the embassy.
    The ensemble clearly showed its feature as an art organization with a long history and tradition.
    The Russian artistes sang immortal revolutionary paeans "Song of General Kim Il Sung" and "Song of General Kim Jong Il" with profound feelings, deeply impressing the audience. Their repertoire included male solo and chorus "My Blessed Life" and female solo and chorus "Hero Was 18 Years Old" and other colorful numbers.
    "Just War," "Kalinka" and other Russian songs and "Kazak Cavalrymen Dance" and "Let's Become Seamen" and other dances deeply impressed the audience for the performers' high level of representation.
    The curtain dropped with chorus of song "Our Friendship Is Everlasting."
    A floral basket was presented to the performers in congratulation of their success.

4th Pyongyang International Scientific and Technological Books Fair Closes

     Pyongyang, September 15 (KCNA) -- The 4th Pyongyang International Scientific and Technological Books Fair which had been open since September 12 closed. The closing ceremony was held at the Grand People's Study House on September 14.
    Present there were Choe Thae Bok, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, Mun Jae Chol, acting chairman of the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries who was chairman of the organizing committee of the fair, Jon Yong Jin, vice-chairman of the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries, Kim Hae Ryong, deputy general director of the Grand People's Study House, officials concerned, men of the press, scientists and technicians.
    Delegations and delegates from different countries, foreign diplomatic envoys and embassy officials, representatives of international organizations and members of their missions here were also present.
    A letter to leader Kim Jong Il from the participants in the fair was adopted at the ceremony.
    Donation certificates were awarded to the organizations which had donated books.
    Mun Jae Chol in his closing address stated that it was the consistent stand of the DPRK to promote the common prosperity of humankind and develop friendly relations with the world people through scientific and technological exchange and cooperation. The DPRK will as ever make energetic efforts to bolster scientific and technological exchange and cooperation with different countries of the world, true to the idea of independence, peace and friendship, he said.
    While the fair was open delegations and delegates swapped their achievements and experience in the fields of science, technology and the press and views on boosting cooperation and exchange among them, deepening sentiments of friendship.

Anti-U.S. Exhibition in Seoul

     Pyongyang, September 15 (KCNA) -- The Reunification Solidarity and other civic and social organizations of south Korea reportedly co-sponsored an exhibition under the motto "Let us achieve national independence through anti-U.S. struggle" in Seoul from Sept. 9 to 11. On display at the exhibition in chronological order were photos showing crimes committed by U.S. soldiers in south Korea. It opened upon the lapse of 59 years since the occupation of south Korea by the U.S. imperialists.
    Yun Ji Hye, director of the Information Department of the Solidarity, said the exhibition was opened to build up broader public opinion about the unnecessariness of the U.S. forces' presence in south Korea, stating that it meant the beginning of the struggle for their withdrawal.
    Citizens said they could see clearly the true colors of the U.S. forces through the pictures. They gave vent to their resentment, saying: "After all, the United States was not our friendly nation".

Letter to Kim Jong Il from Participants in Internatl Books Fair

     Pyongyang, September 15 (KCNA) -- The participants in the 4th Pyongyang International Scientific and Technological Books Fair presented a letter to leader Kim Jong Il on Sept.14. The letter said that the fair which drew 27 bodies of various countries and international organizations offered an important occasion in strengthening the exchange and cooperation in science and technology among countries.
    The DPRK adopted it as its strategic line of building a great prosperous powerful nation to attach importance to science and technology and has worked hard to implement it and thus made big achievements in scientific and technical research and in training men of ability, the letter said, adding:
    Seeing this reality we became confident that your country will proudly rank itself among the world's scientifically and technologically advanced nations in the near future.
    The letter expressed the willingness to strengthen the scientific and technological exchange and cooperation with the DPRK and render positive cooperation in the efforts to put the Pyongyang International Scientific and Technological Books Fair at the world's level.

Chairman of Russian Federation Council Visits Kim Il Sung University

     Pyongyang, September 15 (KCNA) -- Sergei Mikhailovich Mironov, chairman of the Federation Council of Russia, and his entourage visited Kim Il Sung University on Sept. 14. They looked round the gift museum and the classroom where leader Kim Jong Il studied.
    Then the chairman gave a lecture on the present political situation in Russia and the issue of developing the Russia-DPRK relations before teachers and students of the university.
    He said he was pleased to visit Kim Il Sung University where Kim Jong Il, the leader of the DPRK, studied and which is a center for scientific education and a most prestigious university.
    He recalled that Russian President V. V. Putin and Chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission Kim Jong Il have shown deep concern for the development of the traditional relations of friendship and good neighborliness between Russia and the DPRK.
    He pointed out that Korean students obtained most excellent results by displaying high ability at the 11th International Student Russian Olympiad held in Moscow in June.
    Expressing belief that the good neighborly and mutually beneficial Russia-DPRK relations of friendship and cooperation would steadily grow stronger, he wished the Korean people greater success and prosperity.
    The chairman donated books and video cassettes to the university.

British Foreign Office Delegation Leaves

     Pyongyang, September 15 (KCNA) -- The delegation of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland led by Bill Rammell, deputy secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Tuesday flew back home after winding up its four-day visit to the DPRK. During its visit Choe Thae Bok, chairman of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, and Paek Nam Sun, minister of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK, separately met and had friendly talks with the British delegation.
    The delegation met with officials of the DPRK Foreign Ministry and exchanged views on the issues of bilateral concern and visited different places of Pyongyang and Phyongsong City.

Tractor "Chollima-2000" Proves Effective

     Pyongyang, September 15 (KCNA) -- The Kum Song Tractor Plant of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is manufacturing tractor "Chollima-2000". The new model, with a hydraulic steering wheel and direct jet diesel engine, has a big pulling power while consuming a small amount of fuel.
    The vibration and sound of the engine in operation are as low as motorcar.
    All the accessories of the tractor are precisely processed and assembled with the help of ultra-modern technology.
    The tractor is easy and convenient to operate.
    Its working speed is 7 kilometers per hour and turning radius 3 meters.
    Leader Kim Jong Il watched the tractor in operation during his field guidance to a farm and said that it was a good and well-shaped tractor.

Message of Greetings to President of Nicaragua

     Pyongyang, September 15 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Tuesday sent a message of greetings to Enrique Bolanos Geyer, president of Nicaragua, on its independence day. Sincerely wishing the president success in his responsible work for the progress of the country and the welfare of the people, the message expressed the belief that the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries would continue to grow strong on good terms.

Message of Greetings to Mexican President

     Pyongyang, September 15 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Wednesday sent a message of greetings to Vicente Fox Quesada, president of the United Mexican States, on its independence day. The message expressed the belief that the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries would continue to favorably develop in the future, too.

Credentials to Kim Yong Nam from Norwegian Ambassador

     Pyongyang, September 15 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, received credentials from Arild Brastad, Norwegian ambassador e. p. to the DPRK, at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Sept. 15.
    On hand was Kung Sok Ung, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs.
    After receiving the credentials, the president had a conversation with the ambassador.

DPRK Delegation Leaves to Attend U.N. General Assembly Session

     Pyongyang, September 15 (KCNA) -- A delegation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea led by Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Choe Su Hon left Pyongyang today to attend the 59th Session of the U.N. General Assembly.

1st International Martial Art Games Open

     Pyongyang, September 15 (KCNA) -- The first International Martial Art Games opened with splendour in Pyongyang today. At least 400 practitioners and delegates from more than 40 countries will compete in the games. The games will offer an important occasion in promoting the friendship and solidarity among countries, nations and martial art practitioners and prove to be a grand assembly for exchanging skills among them. The games will include competitions in Korea's orthodox martial art Taekwon-do, martial arts of other countries and nations and demonstration matches.
    Jang Ung, president of the International Taekwon-do Federation who is chairman of the International Martial Art Games Committee, made an address which was followed by the hoisting of the flag of the games.
    Pak Pong Ju, premier of the DPRK Cabinet, in his congratulatory address said that the first historic international martial art games be held in the DPRK would greatly please and encourage the people of the DPRK in their efforts to achieve national reunification and build a great prosperous powerful socialist nation.
    He expressed belief that the games would prove successful in line with the idea of independence, peace, friendship and solidarity. The DPRK will extend positive support and solidarity to the games and strengthen friendship and solidarity with the martial art practitioners and progressive people of the world, he concluded.
    Then the floor was taken by Mac Harb, president of IMAG.
    The first flame of the martial art games was lit in Pyongyang and the curtain of the games went up here, he said, adding that this would offer an important occasion in developing martial art.
    The IMAGC will respect the noble idea of international martial art and exert all its efforts to strengthen and develop it, he added. Present at the ceremony were Mun Jae Dok, chairman of the Korean Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission, Hwang Pong Yong, chairman of the Korean Martial Art Federation who is chairman of the Korean Taekwon-do Committee, Jong Jae Hun, secretary general of the International Martial Art Games Committee who is chairman of the organizing committee of the first International Martial Art Games, officials concerned, diplomatic envoys of different countries here, practitioners and delegates from various countries and regions, guests of honor, overseas Koreans and foreigners staying in the DPRK.

Ceremony of Lighting Flame of IMAG Held

     Pyongyang, September 15 (KCNA) -- A ceremony of lighting a flame of the First International Martial Art Games took place outside the Taekwon-do Hall in Pyongyang on Sept. 15 with an attendance of teams and delegates from at least 40 countries. The granite flame holder is symbolic of friendship and unity among the world's martial art practitioners ready to advance hand in hand to build a new independent world.
    Jong Jae Hun, secretary general of the International Martial Art Games Committee who is chairman of the Organizing Committee of the First IMAG, declared the ceremony open.
    Authorized by leader Kim Jong Il, Premier of the DPRK Cabinet Pak Pong Ju handed the torch lit on Mt. Paektu to torchlight holders.
    The flame was lit by man and woman martial art practitioners of the DPRK. Present at the ceremony were Jang Ung, chairman of the IMAGC who is president of the International Taekwon-do Federation, Mun Jae Dok, chairman of the Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission, Mac Harb, president of the IMAGC, and his party, Giuliano Fulvi, chairman of the World Chinese Kung-fu Association, and his party, and Jong Ji Hae, director general of the Physical Culture and Sports Federation of Koreans in Japan, who are guests of honor of the First IMAG, Ri Ki Ha, senior vice-president of the International Taekwon-do Federation, Leong Wai Meng, vice-chairman of the IMAGC who is vice-president of the ITF, foreign diplomatic envoys and staff members of foreign embassies here, foreign guests and overseas Koreans as well as people from all walks of life and sports fans in the city.

For Spanish-speaking people

Kim Jong Il recibe carta de participantes en una exposicion

     Pyongyang, 15 de septiembre (ATCC) -- El Dirigente Kim Jong Il recibio el dia 14 una carta de los participantes en la IV Exhibicion Internacional de Libros Cientifico-tecnicos de Pyongyang. La IV Exposicion Internacional de Libros Cientifico-tecnicos de Pyongyang en que tomaron parte 27 entidades de varios paises del mundo y organizaciones internacionales marco un importante motivo para fortalecer el intercambio y la cooperacion cientifico-tecnicos entre los paises, senala la carta y continua:.
    Al ver los participantes en el presente certamen con nuestros propios ojos la realidad de Corea que logra grandes exitos en la investigacion cientifica y tecnica y en la formacion de personas competentes mediante el despliegue de la vigorosa lucha por realizar la linea estrategica de la construccion de una gran potencia prospera que es dar importancia a la ciencia y tecnica, llegamos a convencernos de que en un futuro no lejano entrara Corea en la lista de las potencias cientifico-tecnicas mundiales.
    Expresamos la disposicion de fortalecer en el futuro el intercambio y la cooperacion cientifico-tecnicos con Corea y de cooperar activamente en ampliar y llevar a nivel mundial la Exposicion Internacional de Libros Cientifico-tecnicos de Pyongyang.

Funcion de gala de conjunto artistico de Rusia

     Pyongyang, 15 de septiembre (ATCC) -- El Conjunto Artistico Academico Alexandrov del Ejercito Ruso de visita en Corea dio una funcion de gala el dia 14 en la capitalina Casa Cultural 25 de Abril. Fueron invitados el vicemariscal del Ejercito Popular de Corea Kim Il Chol quien es el ministro de las Fuerzas Armadas Populares, el secretario del CC del Partido del Trabajo de Corea Jong Ha Chol, el general de ejercito del EPC Pak Jae Gyong, Kim Jong Ho, presidente del CC de la Federacion General de Escritores y Artistas de Corea, oficiales y soldados del EPC, artistas, trabajadores capitalinos y agregados militares de las embajadas de varios paises en Corea.
    Tambien la presenciaron N. V. Burbyga, guia general del citado conjunto artistico y subdirector del Departamento General de Educacion de las Fuerzas Armadas de la Federacion Rusa, Igor Pavlov, agregado militar de la Embajada de Rusia en Corea y otros miembros de la sede diplomatica. Ese dia el conjunto artistico demostro excelentemente su aspecto de entidad artistica con larga historia y tradicion.
    Los ejecutantes cantaron con sentimiento solemne la "Cancion del General Kim Il Sung" y la "Cancion del General Kim Jong Il", inmortales himnos revolucionarios, y pusieron en la escena el solo masculino y coro "Mi vida bendita", el solo femenino y coro "El heroe tenia entonces 18 anos de edad" y otras piezas.
    "Lucha justa", "Kalinka" y otras canciones rusas, los bailes "Danza de caballos cosacos", "Seamos marineros", etc. dieron profundas impresiones al publico por su alto nivel de interpretacion.
    La funcion termino con el coro "Sera eterna nuestra amistad".
    Fue entregado un cesto de flores a los ejecutantes por el exito de la funcion.

CIERECO exhorta a expulsar tropas yanquis de Sur de Corea

     Pyongyang, 15 de septiembre (ATCC) -- Con motivo de cumplirse el 59 aniversario de la ocupacion del Sur de Corea por las tropas norteamericanas, el Comite Internacional de Enlace por la Reunificacion y la Paz en Corea (CIERECO) publico el dia 7 un llamamiento a todas las fuerzas antiyanquis pacificas y progresistas del mundo a unirse solidamente y levantarse en la lucha por retirar por completo a las tropas norteamericanas y sus pertrechos militares del suelo surcoreano. Las tropas norteamericanas se infiltraron en el Sur de Corea el 8 de septiembre de 1945 so pretexto de "desarmar al ejercito japones", proclamaron la "administracion militar" y se apoderaron de todos los derechos civiles y del poder militar. La ocupacion del Sur de Corea por los efectivos norteamericanos es una flagrante violacion a la soberania e independencia de la nacion coreana, senala el llamamiento y continua:
    Durante estos 59 anos los uniformados norteamericanos acarrearon indecibles desdichas y penalidades a los habitantes surcoreanos. Mientras aquellos se mantienen en la parte Sur, no podran realizarse la aspiracion del pueblo surcoreano a la democracia socio-politica y el anhelo de todos los coreanos del Norte, el Sur y en ultramar sobre la reunificacion independiente y pacifica de la patria.
    Mientras existen los efectivos norteamericanos y sus pertrechos modernos en el Sur de Corea, no se podra preservar la seguridad y la paz de la nacion coreana ni de los pueblos de paises perifericos.
    La "reduccion" de los uniformados norteamericanos en el Sur de Corea no pasa de ser una farsa. Segun el "plan de aumento armamentista", durante 3 anos EE.UU. se propone invertir al Sur de Corea 13 mil millones de US$ para dotarlos de pertrechos militares modernos en vez de reducirlos numericamente. En fin, sus potencialidades militares no se debilitaran sino se fortaleceran aun mas.
    Todas las fuerzas progresistas no deben abrigar ninguna ilusion sobre la "reduccion" de las tropas norteamericanas en el Sur de Corea, sino levantarse para eliminar los factores que amenazan la reunificacion y paz de Corea, la seguridad y la paz del pueblo coreano y de los demas pueblos del mundo.