Past news

Kim Jong Il's Work Published in Sweden

    Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- Leader Kim Jong Il's famous work "The Juche Philosophy Is an Original Revolutionary Philosophy" was brought out in booklet by the Sweden-Korea Friendship Association. The work, published on July 26, Juche 85 (1996), makes a scientific analysis of the limitation of the time when the preceding philosophy was set out and the originality of the Juche philosophy. It clarifies the idea that the Juche philosophy serves as a revolutionary philosophy and a political philosophy of the Workers' Party of Korea and principled issues arising in studying and explaining the Juche philosophy.
    Noting that the Juche philosophy serves as a guiding idea for the Korean revolution and the social construction, the pamphlet in the preface stresses that President Kim Il Sung founded and developed the Juche idea in the course of the struggle for independence, prosperity, peace and reunification of the country.
    General Secretary Kim Jong Il has dedicated himself to carrying forward the revolutionary cause of the President and developing the Juche idea, it notes, adding that he in his work scientifically proved the originality of the Juche philosophy and its main principles.
    The association expressed expectation that the pamphlet would help its readers understand the DPRK and its unique revolutionary traditions.

DPRK's Just Measure Supported in Uganda

    Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- Organizations of Uganda including the Uganda-DPRK Friendship Association and the Ugandan National Committee for the Study of the Juche Idea issued a joint statement on Feb. 12 in support of the statement released by the DPRK Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Feb. 10. The joint statement assailed high-ranking officials of the second term Bush administration for undisguisedly letting loose reckless remarks that it would never co-exist with the DPRK, persistently pursuing the same hostile policy towards the DPRK as followed by the first term administration.
    The DPRK government in its Foreign Ministry's statement declared that it is compelled to suspend the participation in the six-party talks for an indefinite period till it has recognized that there is the justification to attend the talks and there are ample conditions and atmosphere for expecting positive results from there and take a measure to bolster the nuclear weapons arsenal to protect the ideology, the system, freedom and democracy chosen by its people, the statement recalled, fully supporting this as a just measure for self-defence.
    Powerful nuclear deterrent alone can ensure peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, the statement noted, strongly demanding the U.S. drop its hostile policy toward the DPRK and settle the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and negotiations on the basis of the peaceful co-existence with it.

Iranian President Supports Korean People's Struggle for Reunification

Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- I wish the Korean people greater success in their efforts for the country's prosperity and reunification in the new year, said Iranian President Seyed Mohammad Khatami when meeting with the DPRK ambassador to the country on Feb. 9. He said that the government and people of Iran fully support the government and people of the DPRK in their efforts to preserve the peace and security of the country and would make every possible effort to boost the traditional friendly relations between the two countries.

DPRK's Decision Supported in Peru

    Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- The 1st national meeting for the merger of left-wing and progressive parties of Peru was held in Lima on Feb. 11 and 12 with an attendance of leaders and representatives of different political parties and organizations of Peru, including the Revolutionary Socialist Party, the New Left Movement and the Communist Party, and adopted a joint declaration supporting the DPRK government's decision to stand firm against the U.S. hostile policy. As pointed out by the statement of the DPRK Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Feb. 10, the U.S imperialists' persistent hostile policy toward the DPRK compelled it not to take part in the six-party talks but make a resolute decision to continue producing nuclear weapons for self-defense in order to counter the Bush administration's desperate moves to stifle the Korean-style socialist system of Juche with nukes at any cost, the joint declaration said, adding:
    We are well aware of the efforts made by the government and people of the DPRK to achieve the independent and peaceful reunification of the country at an early date, the desire of the peoples and progressive organizations of the whole world which value peace and solidarity among countries.
    Recalling that the hard facts about what is happening in one of the tips of the Asian continent are being misrepresented, the declaration bitterly denounced the U.S. imperialists for having deliberately scuttled the talks for peace and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Kim Jong Il's Birthday Celebrated

    Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- Celebration meetings were held in Denmark, Bangladesh and Uganda and film shows, lectures and photo exhibitions in Poland and South Africa from Feb. 7 to 10 on the occasion of the birthday of leader Kim Jong Il. Anders Kristensen, chairman of the Denmark-DPRK Friendship Association, in a speech at the meeting said that thanks to the seasoned leadership of Kim Jong Il the Korean people have achieved great successes in the building of a great prosperous powerful nation and the struggle for country's reunification, firmly defending socialism despite the U.S. imperialists' moves to stifle the DPRK.
    Speakers at the meeting in Bangladesh noted that the Korean people united around Kim Jong Il in one mind are dynamically advancing along the road of socialism and their triumphant advance is attributable to the wise leadership of Kim Jong Il who is possessed of brilliant wisdom and matchless grit.
    S. N. Serwanga, chairman of the Ugandan preparatory committee for the "meeting praising the great persons of Mt. Paektu", in a speech highly praised the immortal feats performed by the three generals of Mt. Paektu, saying that an ideal society the world people aspire after was built in the DPRK by the great persons of Mt. Paektu. The Ugandan and world progressive peoples are deeply revering and praising the great persons of Mt. Paektu, he stressed.
    A message of greetings and a congratulatory letter to Kim Jong Il were adopted at the meetings held in Denmark and Bangladesh.
    Meanwhile, prior to the film show sponsored by the Polish Communist Party a message of greetings to Kim Jong Il was handed to the DPRK ambassador by Jozef Wacht, vice-chairman of the National Executive Committee of the Party, and Roman Orszewski, chairman of the Union of the Polish People's Army.

U.S. Urged to Retract Its Hostile Policy toward North

    Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- The Pusan Solidarity for Implementing the South-North Joint Declaration reportedly released a statement titled "Genuine peace of the Korean Peninsula depends on the retraction of the U.S. hostile policy toward the north. Bush, come out in action, not in word" on Feb. 4. Recalling that U.S. President Bush in the state of the union message suggested cunning and covert continuation of the hostile policy toward the north, the statement said: Moreover, talking about "outposts of tyranny" proves that the U.S. hostile policy toward the north has not changed in essence.
    The war moves of Bush, who is sharpening the sword of aggression behind the scene while talking about dialogue, are very ridiculous, the statement said, and stressed:
    If the U.S. continues to deceive the Korean nation, it will be a big miscalculation. If it wants to exist in the world, it should take action for peace of the Korean Peninsula.

Seminars Held

    Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- Seminars on famous works of leader Kim Jong Il were held by the Egyptian Committee for the Study of the Juche Idea and the Nigerian Group for the Study of Juche Philosophy of Abuja University on Feb. 3 and 7 on the occasion of his birthday (February 16). The chairman of the Egyptian committee in a speech, referring to the main content of his famous work "Our Socialism Centred on the Masses Shall Not Perish", said that the socialism of the DPRK is powerful because it is based on the single-minded unity of the leader, the Party and the masses and it serves for the interests of the people.
    The chairman and members of the Nigerian group at a seminar on his famous work "Socialism Is a Science" noted that the work not only illuminates the bright way of the world progressive humankind for defending socialism but gives conviction of its victory. They unanimously called for not being deceived by false propaganda of the imperialists over the "ruin" of socialism but struggling to protect socialism.
    Seminars on the exploits of Kim Jong Il was held by the Indian Intellectual Society for the Study of the Juche Idea, the Indian Working Women Society for the Study of Juche Philosophy and the Ugandan National Committee for Commemorating April 15 and February 16 between Feb. 5 and 9 on the same occasion.

Green Light of Peace on Korean Peninsula

    Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- The editor of the Internet homepage "National News" in the United States on Feb. 10 released an article titled "North's possession of nukes is green light of peace on the Korean Peninsula". Quoting the gist of the statement published by the Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea with regard to the grave situation caused by the U.S. hostile policy toward the DPRK, the article said: The declaration of the DPRK of its possession of nukes is its legitimate countermeasure to cope with the relentless hostile policy and nuclear war move of the U.S.
    It went on:
    Many countries on the earth have fallen victims to the U.S. hegemonic policy. Had the north failed to build up its self-defense capabilities and been left powerless like other countries, the Korean Peninsula would already have fallen into the flames of war several times.
    Now a hole has begun to be made in the U.S. nuclear umbrella. This is a signal flare announcing an end to the global hegemony of the U.S. and, at the same time, a green light reporting peace on the Korean Peninsula, the article stressed.

Hanchongryon Chairman Flails U.S. Hostile Moves toward North

Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, sent a message of sympathy to Hugo　Chavez　Frias, president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, on Feb. 16 for the heavy losses in human lives and materials caused by torrential rain and flood which hit different areas of the country. The message expressed deep sympathy to the president, government and people of the republic and sincerely hoped that its government would remove the consequences of the disaster and bring the living of the people in the afflicted areas back to normal conditions at an early date.

Message of Sympathy to President of Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

    Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- Art performances were given at theatres across the country to celebrate the birthday of leader Kim Jong Il. Revolutionary drama "Under the banner of victory" was given at the State Drama Theatre.
    Put on the stage of the Pyongyang Puppet Show Theatre was puppet show based on a fairy tale "A boy who caught a tiger" adapted from a folktale told by Kim Jong Il. The performance helped schoolchildren harden their resolution to cultivate wisdom and strength to be reliable workers for the building of a rich and powerful country.
    A celebration concert was performed by the State Symphony Orchestra and the Mansudae Art Troupe at the People's Palace of Culture and a music and dance performance by artistes of the State National Art Troupe at the Pyongyang Theatre.
    Performers put on the stage the fourth movement "Glory to General" from symphonic suit "Long Journey of Songun", bass solo of immortal classical work "Korea, I Will Glorify Thee", soprano solo "General, This Is the Forefront", orchestra "Thunder on Jong Il Peak", female solo "General of Korea", male duet "From Front to Front" and song and dance "Songun Nilliri" and other numbers, which impressively showed the immortal feats of Kim Jong Il who was born in the family of arms of Mt. Paektu and has glorified the dignity and majestic appearance of Songun Korea with his outstanding political ability and energetic revolutionary activities as well as the national pride and self-confidence of the Korean people who are blessed with great leaders generation after generation.
    The joy of the Korean people enjoying February holiday was added by acrobatic performances of the Pyongyang Moranbong Circus and the Pyongyang Circus and comedies by the State Comedy Troupe, replete with unique skills, dexterous gifts, optimism and laughter.
    Meanwhile, celebration performances were given at South Phyongan, South Hamgyong, Kangwon and other provincial theaters and houses of culture.

Art Performances Given to Celebrate February 16

    Pyongyang, February 18 (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, Thursday received Mira Koltsova, head of the State Academy Beriozka Dancing Troupe of Russia Named after N.S. Nadezhdina on a visit to the DPRK. Present there was Andrei Karlov, Russian ambassador to the DPRK.
    Mira Koltsova presented a gift to Kim Jong Il and offered him the best wishes.
    Thanking for this, he warmly welcomed the visit of the troupe to the DPRK and had a warm conversation with the guest.
    He posed for a photograph with the artistes of the dancing troupe on that day.

Kim Jong Il Receives Head of Russian Dancing Troupe

Kim Jong Il Watches Performance Given by Russian Dancing Troupe

    Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Il, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission (NDC), Thursday watched a performance given by the Russian State Academy Beriozka Dancing Troupe Named after N. S. Nadezhdina on a visit to the DPRK. Artistes of the troupe presented to him bouquets carrying profound respect and reverence for him.
    Among the audience were Pak Pong Ju, premier of the DPRK Cabinet, Kim Yong Chun, member of the NDC and chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army, Choe Thae Bok and Kim Ki Nam, secretaries of the Central Committee of the WPK, Kang Sok Ju, first vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, senior officials of the Party and the army and servicepersons of the KPA..
    Mira Koltsova, director of the Russian dancing troupe, Russian Ambassador to the DPRK Andrei Karlov and staff members of the embassy here were also among the audience.
    The Beriozka Dancing Troup famous in Russia and well known to the Korean people raised the curtain with the chorus "Song of General Kim Jong Il."
    Put on the stage were such colorful pieces as female group dances "Beriozka," "Chains" and "Rainbow," mixed group dances "In memory of defenders of the motherland" and "Vast plain," male group dance "Carters," comic dance "Mosquito," song and dances "Evening in suburbs of Moscow" and "Kalinka," Korean song "Song devoted to Comrade Kim Jong Il."
    In their performance the artistes truthfully represented the Russian people's ardent patriotism, optimistic lifestyle and national custom with high artistry and graceful and enthusiastic rhythms.
    The performance proceeded in an amicable atmosphere of Korea-Russia friendship and closed with the chorus of Korean song "General of Korea."
    The performance was highly acclaimed by the audience as it showed the appearance of the troupe having a long history and tradition.
    Kim Jong Il sent a floral basket to the artistes of the troupe congratulating them on their successful performance.

For Spanish-speaking people

Suecia: editada Obra de Kim Jong Il en folleto

    Pyongyang, 18 de febrero (ATCC) -- La Asociacion de Amistad Suecia-Corea dio a luz en folleto la imperecedera obra clasica del Dirigente Kim Jong Il "La filosofia Juche es una original filosofia revolucionaria" publicada el 26 de julio del 85 (1996) de la Era Juche. La obra analiza de manera cientifica la limitacion temporal de la filosofia anterior y la originalidad de la filosofia Juche, aclara la idea de que esta deviene la filosofia politica y revolucionaria del Partido del Trabajo de Corea y problemas de principios que se presentan en el estudio, explicacion y propaganda sobre la filosofia Juche.
    La introduccion del folleto senala:
    La filosofia Juche es la idea directriz de la Revolucion Coreana y de la construccion social.
    El Presidente Kim Il Sung concibio y desarrollo la idea Juche en el proceso de la lucha por la independencia, la prosperidad, la paz y la reunificacion del pais.
    El Secretario General Kim Jong Il dedica toda su vida para llevar adelante la causa revolucionaria del Presidente y desarrollar la idea Juche creada por este. En esta obra el Dirigente da argumentacion cientifica sobre la originalidad y los principios basicos de la filosofia Juche.
    Al darla a luz, la Asociacion de Amistad Suecia-Corea expresa la esperanza de que la presente edicion de ayuda a comprender bien de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea y de las tradiciones revolucionarias especiales de este pais.

Kim Yong Nam envia telegrama de consuelo al presidente venezolano

Pyongyang, 18 de febrero (ATCC) -- Kim Yong Nam, presidente del Presidium de la Asamblea Popular Suprema de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea, envio el dia 16 un telegrama de consuelo al presidente de la Republica Bolivariana de Venezuela, Hugo Chavez Frias, en relacion con que varias zonas de este pais sufrieron grandes perdidas humanas y materiales debido al aguacero copioso e inundaciones.
El remitente expresa profunda simpatia y condolencia al mandatario, el gobierno y el pueblo del pais afectado y desea sinceramente que el gobierno de Venezuela resarza los danos naturales y estabilice lo mas pronto posible la vida de los habitantes de las zonas damnificadas.

Clausurado festival internacional de patinaje artistico sobre hielo

    Pyongyang, 18 de febrero (ATCC) ? Quedo clausurada el dia 17 la 14a edicion del Festival de Patinaje Artistico sobre el Hielo por el "Premio Paektusan" inaugurada el pasado dia 15 en el capitalino Patinadero Cubierto para festejar la jubilosa fiesta de febrero (cumpleanos del Dirigente Kim Jong Il). En el acto clausural fueron otorgados los premios del festival a los jugadores que mostraron altas tecnicas.
    Al hacer uso de la palabra clausural, el presidente del Comite de Direccion de Deportes de Corea, Mun Jae Dok, se refirio a que el citado festival se realizo con exito y expreso agradecimiento a las asociaciones deportivas de varios paises y participantes que se esforzaron por la marcha exitosa del presente certamen en alto nivel.
    Manifesto conviccion de que los participantes, bajo el ideal de la independencia, la paz y la amistad, en el futuro tambien haran aporte a que dicho festival se desarrolle en un conclave deportivo internacional.
    Acto seguido hubo la representacion ejemplar de los patinadores de varios paises y de Corea quienes mostraron sus altas tecnicas en el presente certamen.
    Estuvieron presentes el vicepresidente del Presidium de la Asamblea Popular Suprema de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea Yang Hyong Sop, el secretario del Comite Central del Partido del Trabajo de Corea Kim Jung Rin, el vicepremier del Consejo de Ministros Kwak Pom Gi y otros funcionarios, trabajadores capitalinos, aficionados deportivos y coreanos en ultramar que permanecen en la patria socialista.