Japanese Government's Formal Apology and Compensation Demanded in S. Korea

     Pyongyang, December 16 (KCNA) -- The participants in the 635th Wednesday Meeting for the settlement of the issue of the "comfort women" for the Japanese army held in south Korea on Dec. 8 made public a statement demanding the Japanese government's formal apology and compensation, according to a news report. The statement noted with bitter indignation that the minister of Education and Science of Japan recently let loose a rigmarole that "it is very good to find less words about comfort women for the Japanese army and forcible drafting" in the history textbook published by the "Society to Make New History Textbook," an ultra-right conservative organization. It branded the act of distorting and concealing the wrong doings as another crime.
    The Japanese government should immediately stop tampering with Japan's history in a bid to justify its war of aggression and formally apologize and compensate the victims of the crime related to "comfort women," urged the statement.

S. Korean Authorities' Action to Disconnect Internet Sites under Fire Abroad

     Pyongyang, December 16 (KCNA) - The British Association for the Study of the Songun Policy, the British Group for the Study of the Juche Idea and the Society for the Independence and Unity of England on December 5 issued a joint statement condemning the action taken by the south Korean authorities to disconnect the Internet sites related to the DPRK. The statement said: Their action runs counter to the spirit of the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration as it is a grave act of doing harm to the north-south relations and obstructing the reunification of Korea. This is little different from the erstwhile puppet fascist regimes' suppression of the press.
    All facts go to clearly prove that the south Korean authorities' loudmouthed "reconciliation and cooperation" are nothing but hypocrisy and their real intention is to stand in confrontation with the DPRK, the statement noted, demanding the south Korean authorities withdraw at once their anachronistic and reactionary measure.
    Meanwhile, the U.S. Group for the Study of Songun Politics, the U.S. Solidarity Committee to Support the National Democratic Front of south Korea and the south Korean People's Struggle in a joint statement on December 9 held that it is not a crime but patriotism for the progressive masses of south Korea to follow the stand of the DPRK to achieve the reunification of Korea. It assailed all moves of the south Korean authorities to crack down upon them.

S. Korean Police Fascist Outrage Denounced

     Pyongyang, December 16 (KCNA) -- The south Korean police authorities forcibly walked away in broad daylight Paek Jong Ho, chairman of the 12th-term south Korean Federation of University Student Councils (Hanchongryon). The security investigation team of the Seoul District Police Office tried to justify its action, charging that Paek violated the "National Security Law (NSL)," a leftover of the era of confrontation, after joining the "enemy-benefiting Hanchongryon" and spearheaded "illegal demonstrations." Rodong Sinmun today says in a signed commentary carried in this regard:
    This is a fascist outrage intended to arrest the just struggle of the south Korean students for independent reunification, social progress and reform.
    The south Korean authorities should have praised Hanchongryon for having stood in the van of the struggle for independence, democracy and reunification reflecting the aspiration and will of the south Korean students. It is preposterous, indeed, for them to label it "enemy-benefiting" and "illegal" and suppress and persecute its members. It is the era after the publication of the June 15 joint declaration in which the north and the south are working hard to achieve independent reunification through national cooperation, while getting reconciled and united with each other.
    But the south Korean police authorities are indiscriminately arresting members of Hanchongryon on charges of violating the NSL after branding it as an "enemy-benefiting organization." This unwarranted suppression is intolerable as it is anachronistic and fascist rowdyism against the reform.
    The ultra-right conservative forces including the Grand National Party are desperately working to keep the evil law, much upset by the development which may lead to depriving them of the leverage for their existence. The south Korean authorities, however, are incriminating the just activities of Hanchongryon, instead of exercising their authority to stop the ultra- right conservatives from maneuvering against reforms. This only reveals their limitation and precipitates their frustration.
    If the south Korean authorities persist in their anachronistic and suppression of Hanchongryon against the nation's will, they will not be able to escape a stern judgement of the history and the nation.

Mongolian President to Visit DPRK Soon

     Pyongyang, December 16 (KCNA) - Natsagyn Bagabandi, president of Mongolia, will soon pay an official visit to the DPRK upon the invitation of Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly.

Aid Materials to Construction Site of Friendship Glass Factory from China

     Pyongyang, December 16 (KCNA) - The Chinese government and the China Yaohua Glass Group Corporation donated food and foodstuff to the construction site of the Taean Friendship Glass Factory. A presentation ceremony took place at the construction site on Dec. 15.
    Present there were Ryang Jang Gyun, vice-minister of Construction and Building-Materials Industries, officials concerned, Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Wu Donghe and embassy officials, members of a delegation of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce headed by Xia Yungui, Cao Tianping, director and Party secretary of the Yaohua Glass Group Corporation, and Korean and Chinese workers and technicians engaged in the construction.
    Speeches were made at the ceremony.
    Then the Chinese ambassador and the vice-minister of Construction and Building-Materials Industries of the DPRK exchanged appropriate documents.

Russian Ambassador Hosts Reception

     Pyongyang, December 16 (KCNA) - Russian Ambassador to the DPRK Andrei Karlov hosted a reception at the embassy Wednesday evening on the threshold of the New Year Juche 94 (2005). Present on invitation were Kung Sok Ung, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, and officials concerned. Staff members of the Russian embassy were on hand.
    Speeches were made at the reception.

Many Books Published This Year

     Pyongyang, December 16 (KCNA) -- Many books including those on the great persons have been published by different publishing houses of Korea this year. The Workers' Party of Korea Publishing House brought out "Complete Collection of Works of Kim Il Sung" Vols. 53-56, a library of the immortal Juche idea, which systematically and comprehensively deals with his famous works in a chronological order this year.
    It also published a book "History of the Workers' Party of Korea" and collections of reminiscences "Remembering President Kim Il Sung" Vol.1 and "Among People" Vols. 64 and 65.
    Among the new books published by it are books for the revolutionary education and the working class education including book "Biography of Kim Hyong Jik."
    The Science and Encyclopedia Press brought out books "History of Anti-Japanese Armed Struggle" (enlarged editions) Vols. 6 and 7 and many science and technology books.
    The Social Science Press published books titled "Comradeship Is Revolutionary Philosophy of Our Party", "Four Objects First Policies Serve as Eternal Slogans for Building Great Prosperous Powerful Nation" and others.
    "Collection of Legends about the Kumsusan Memorial Palace" Vol.3 dealing with the President's preeminent ideological and theoretical wisdom, his outstanding leadership ability and noble virtues was brought out by the Literature and Art Publishing House. The Kum Song Youth Publishing House produced book "Strong Trend Praising Great Man" dealing with the south Korean people's deep respect and reverence for leader Kim Jong Il and other books.
    The Literature and Art Publishing House has successfully completed the printing of "Complete Collection of Korean Music" Vol. 20 listed as a national treasure.
    Among the new books published by it are full-length novels "I Cannot Yield," "Red Prisoner" and "My Land" depicting the struggles waged by former unconverted long-term prisoners.
    The Science and Encyclopedia Press published book "The Sexual Slavery for the Japanese Army, the Most Hideous Crime in the 20th Century."
    "Mother Is the First Educator", "Common Sense of NANO Technology", "Interesting Anecdotes on Computer", "Vegetable Dishes" and other books were published by different publishing houses such as the Working People's Organizations Publishing House and the Industrial Publishing House.

Greetings to Bahraini King

     Pyongyang, December 16 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Wednesday sent a message of greetings to Bahraini King Sheikh Hamad Bin Isa al-Khalifa on the occasion of the 43rd national day of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The message wished the friendly people of Bahrain greater progress and prosperity, expressing the belief that the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries will continue to grow stronger.

Press Conference at British Embassy

     Pyongyang, December 16 (KCNA) -- A press conference was held at the British embassy here today on the occasion of the 4th anniversary of the establishment of DPRK-UK diplomatic ties. Present at the conference were mediapersons here.
    Addressing the press conference, Ambassador David Arthur Slinn referred to the visits exchanged in different fields between the two countries after the opening of the bilateral diplomatic relations and to the matter of developing the bilateral relations in the future.
    Then he answered the questions put by them.

Abnormal Winter Weather in Korea

     Pyongyang, December 16 (KCNA) -- Korea has been affected by abnormal weather in winter in recent years. The cycle of three cold days and four warm days, the inherent feature of the winter in Korea, has been rare to be seen. On the contrary, warm days continue and it often rains much.
    It is the result of the high temperature which has continued in winter season for several consecutive years. The high temperature makes snow fall like rain.
    This year there was much rainfall around the beginning of winter as compared with other years.
    Jong Ryong U, vice director of the Central Meteorological Institute under the Hydro-meteorological Service, told KCNA that such abnormal weather will continue until December 20 or more.
    The lowest temperature in the morning is expected to be 5-8 degrees centigrade below zero in most areas of Korea except the northern inland in this period, he said, and went on:
    This means that the lowest temperature in the morning in the Pyongyang area is 3 degrees centigrade higher than the usual temperature which recorded 11 degrees centigrade below zero.
    This abnormal phenomenon has been caused by the atmospheric circulation changed by the global mild climate. It makes it impossible to form the Siberian continental high pressure.

Mt. Paektu Area Takes On New Looks

     Pyongyang, December 16 (KCNA) -- The Mt. Paektu area in the northern tip of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has taken on new looks. Modern dwelling houses and cultural and welfare buildings of peculiar styles including the Paektu Museum and Samjiyon Hotel have been built in the seat of Samjiyon County, Ryanggang Province, and various revolutionary battle sites have spruced up.
    In recent years five power stations have been constructed and an existing one reconstructed along the Rimyongsu Stream which has its origin at the foot of Chong Peak, a revolutionary battle site in Samjiyon County.
    As a result, they can supply electricity to such remote revolutionary battle sites as the Chongbong camp, Pegae Peak, Konchang, Barrage No.5, and to the dwelling houses and public buildings in the seat of the county and the Rimyongsu workers' district for lighting, heating and cooking.
    The power stations can produce electricity all the year round as the Rimyongsu Stream and the Rimyongsu Falls do not freeze even in winter.
    Along with the construction of the power stations, the area has changed its looks.
    Fountains of different shapes, resting places and sun-heat greenhouses have made their appearance around power stations.
    The stations are linked with each other by bridges, roads and dams and more than 7,000 trees planted in the area to add beauty to the scenery.
    Power station villages with neat dwelling houses have come into being.

For Spanish-speaking people

Kim Jong Il dirige sobre terreno Complejo de Acero de Songjin

     Pyongyang, 16 de diciembre (ATCC) -- El Dirigente Kim Jong Il, Secretario General del Partido del Trabajo de Corea y Presidente del Comite de Defensa Nacional de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea, dirigio sobre el terreno el Complejo de Acero de Songjin al frente de la lucha por producir un gran auge. El Dirigente recorrio el monumento a la direccion sobre el terreno del Presidente Kim Il Sung y la sala de presentacion del historial.
    Recordo con gran emocion la trayectoria de desarrollo de la aceria llena de victorias y orgullos y senalo que bajo la sabia direccion del Presidente esta se convirtio en una gran base siderurgica jucheana.
    Los obreros de aqui son los heroicos que en cada periodo y cada etapa de la Revolucion tomaban la delantera en defender con acero al partido y el lider, remarco el y enfatizo que se debe dar continuidad a esta gloriosa tradicion de lucha.
    Vio la operacion de colada ante el horno electrico y, al evaluar de altos los esfuerzos de los obreros, les dirigio palabras estimulantes.
    Recorrio durante varias horas procesos de produccion, entre otros, el taller de tuberia de alta presion, el de separador de oxigeno, la fabrica "17 de Mayo" y se entero en detalles del estado de reconstruccion tecnica y de produccion.
    Subrayo que son relevantes la posicion y el papel del Complejo para el desarrollo economico del pais e indico las tareas que incumben a este.
    El Dirigente se entero del estado de la labor de intendencia en el Complejo y dirigio el albergue de los obreros.
    Al ver las instalaciones de abastecimiento bien dotadas, los depositos y refrigeradores llenos de carnes, pescados y otros alimentos subsidiarios, expreso gran satisfaccion por las excelentes condiciones de vida y de abundantes recursos de alimentacion.
    Expreso la conviccion de que los obreros del Complejo cumpliran perfectamente en lo adelante tambien como en el pasado el papel de defensores en la materializacion de la politica economica del partido y se fotografio junto a los tecnicos y obreros encumbrados en el trabajo y la innovacion de esta planta.
    Le acompano el secretario responsable del Comite del PTC en la provincia de Hamgyong del Norte, Hong Sok Hyong.

Visitara a Corea el presidente de Mongolia

     Pyongyang, 16 de diciembre (ATCC) -- Su Excelencia Natsagyn Bagabandi, presidente de Mongolia, realizara pronto una visita oficial a Corea en correspondencia a la invitacion de Kim Yong Nam, presidente del Presidium de la Asamblea Popular Suprema de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea.

China dona materiales a lugar de construccion de fabrica de vidrio

     Pyongyang, 16 de diciembre (ATCC) -- El gobierno de la Republica Popular China y la Compania General de Vidrio Yaohua de este pais donaron los alimentos y comestibles como materiales de ayuda al lugar de la construccion de la fabrica de vidrio Amistad de Taean. La ceremonia de donacion tuvo lugar el dia 15 en el mismo lugar.
    Estuvieron presentes el viceministro de la Construccion y la Industria de Materiales de Construccion Ryang Jang Gyun, y otros funcionarios coreanos, el embajador extraordinario y plenipotenciario de China en Corea Wu Donghe y miembros de la sede diplomatica, los integrantes de la delegacion del Ministerio de Comercio de China presidida por Xia Yungui, el director y secretario del partido de la citada Compania General Cao Tianping, los obreros y tecnicos de ambos paises.
    En la ocasion hicieron uso de la palabra.
    Acto seguido, Wu Donghe y Ryang Jang Gyun intercambiaron los documentos correspondientes.