Kim Jong Il Receives Head of Intl. Liaison Department of CC., CPC

     Pyongyang, February 22 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Il, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK, Monday received Wang Jiarui, head of the International Liaison Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on a visit to the DPRK. Kang Sok Ju, first vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, was present on the occasion.
    Wang Jiarui conveyed to Kim Jong Il a verbal message from Hu Jintao, general secretary of the CC., CPC and president of the People's Republic of China, and kind regards from senior party and state officials of China.
    Hu Jintao in his verbal message clarified that it is in the fundamental interests of the Chinese and DPRK sides to maintain the stand of realizing the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and protecting its peace and stability, settle the nuclear issue and clear the Korean side of its reasonable concerns through the six-party talks.
    Hu Jintao also pointed out that the friendly relations between the two parties and two countries of China and the DPRK have steadily developed on good terms thanks to the concerted efforts of the two sides in recent years and hoped that they would make greater progress in the new year, too.
    Kim Jong Il expressed thanks for the verbal message sent by Hu Jintao and asked Wang Jiarui to convey his regards to Hu Jintao and senior party and state officials of China before having a cordial and friendly conversation with Wang Jiarui.
    Kim Jong Il, first of all, highly appreciated the efforts made by the party and government of China for the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula.
    He said that the DPRK would as ever stand for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and its position to seek a peaceful solution to the issue through dialogue remains unchanged.
    He noted that the DPRK has never opposed the six-party talks but made every possible effort for their success. We will go to the negotiating table anytime if there are mature conditions for the six-party talks thanks to the concerted efforts of the parties concerned in the future, he said, expressing the hope that the United States would show trustworthy sincerity and move.
    Kim Jong Il expressed his satisfaction with the development of the relations between the two parties and two countries of the DPRK and China, noting that he was accorded cordial hospitality by the new collective leadership of China during his visit to it last year.
    He pointed out that the DPRK would join efforts with China to positively promote the DPRK-China relations at a new stage of development as required by the new century.
    Wang Jiarui referred to the fact that thanks to the concerted efforts of the high-ranking officials of the two sides the exchange between China and the DPRK in various sectors and fields has become brisk and proved successful, the bilateral economic and trade ties have grown stable and there is new steady dynamism in the mutually beneficial cooperation, too.
    He expressed China's intention to join efforts with the DPRK to comprehensively develop the good neighborliness, friendship and cooperation between China and the DPRK and steadily inject new substance and energy into the bilateral friendly and cooperative relations in a bid to glorify the Sino-DPRK ties of friendship generation after generation.
    As regards the nuclear issue of Korea Wang Jiarui pointed out that China has consistently stood for the protection of the peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, supported its denuclearization and held that the parties concerned should settle the nuclear issue of Korea through dialogue to ensure that the DPRK's reasonable concerns are given serious consideration. It is the view of China that the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is in line not only with the interests of the Korean people but with the security and interests of China in the light of the present international situation, he noted, expressing the hope that thanks to the concerted efforts of each side the six-party talks would resume soon. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on other issues of common concern.
    After receiving him, Kim Jong Il hosted a dinner in honor of Wang Jiarui and his party. The dinner proceeded in an amicable atmosphere.

Foreign Figures Visit DPRK Embassies

     Pyongyang, February 21 (KCNA) -- Foreign figures visited the DPRK embassies in their countries in the period from Feb. 10 to 16 on the occasion of the February fete. They were a delegation of the Party for Unity and Progress of Guinea led by General Secretary Sekou Konate, Chairman of the Guinea-Korea Friendship Association Diallo, Political Advisor to the Guinean President Dorank Assifat Diasseny who is director general of the African Regional Committee for the Study of the Juche Idea, National Secretary of the People's Democratic Party of Nigeria Vincent Ogbulafor, the general president and presidents of three companies of Malaysia including the M.K.P. Company. The party delegation and figures of the political and business circles placed floral baskets before portraits of President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il and made bows.
    In the meantime, the Malaysian People's Movement sent a floral basket to the DPRK embassy on Feb. 16.

Kim Jong Il's Works Off the Press

     Pyongyang, February 21 (KCNA) -- Leader Kim Jong Il's famous work "Giving Priority to Ideological Work Is Essential for Accomplishing Socialism" was brought out in booklet by a publishing house of India. The work, published on June 19 Juche 84 (1995), says that the ideological work should be placed before anything else, with idea grasped as the main point, for a successful accomplishment of the socialist cause. And it holds that the main task of the ideological work in the socialist society is to model the whole society after socialist idea and the ideological work should be conducted on a principle and by a method conforming to the intrinsic demand of socialism.
    Meanwhile, his famous work "The Juche Philosophy Is an Original Revolutionary Philosophy" was published in booklet by the National Education Publishing House of Guinea.
    The work, published on July 26 Juche 85 (1996), gives a scientific analysis of the limitation of the time when the preceding philosophy was set out and the originality of the Juche philosophy. And it clearly expounds the idea
    that the Juche philosophy is the revolutionary philosophy and the political philosophy of the Workers' Party of Korea and indicates matters of principle arising in studying and explaining the Juche philosophy.
    Sisoko, editor of the publishing house, stressed upon bringing out the work that this is a true textbook elucidating a profound principle which not only the Guinean people but the world revolutionary people should adopt as their guideline in the present time.

Greek Party Demands Withdrawal of U.S. Troops and Nukes from S. Korea

     Pyongyang, February 21 (KCNA) -- Theses on the situation of Korea, Cuba and other countries was adopted at the 17th Congress of the Communist Party of Greece (CPG) that closed on Feb. 12. The theses notes that the DPRK has taken self-defensive measures against the interference of the imperialists and the latter are going on a rampage under this pretext.
    Recalling that the DPRK established diplomatic ties with Greece and many other countries, the theses calls for the withdrawal of the U.S. troops and nuclear weapons from south Korea and an end to the imperialists' interference in the Korean Peninsula.

No Peace and Reunification without National Independence: Rodong Sinmun

     Pyongyang, February 21 (KCNA) -- It is indisputable that the reunification and peace of the country can be achieved only through independence which is manifested in the transparent awareness of national independence calling for solving the issue of the reunification and peace of the country by the efforts of the nation on its own responsibility, says Rodong Sinmun Monday in a signed article. The Korean nation can win victory in the struggle to achieve peace and reunification of the country upon which the destiny of the nation hinges only when it fully exercises independent rights, the article observes, and goes on:
    The hearts of the 70 million Koreans are aflame with ardor to achieve reconciliation and reunification and they have the banner of unity. The north and the south of Korea solemnly pledged to pool their efforts in defending the dignity and interests of the nation and achieving peace and reunification of the country in the historic June 15 joint declaration. All the Koreans in the north and the south of Korea and abroad should closely unite in one body on the principle of thinking the nation's destiny first and giving priority to national reunification, the common interests of the nation, and thus consolidate the might of the internal force of the nation in every way.
    Independence is a noble and mighty idea rooted in national pride and self-esteem. The Korean nation is a homogenous nation with a long history spanning 5,000 years and a nation pronounced in national character, which values and carries forward its dignity and soul. The great Songun politics adds to the national pride and self-esteem of every Korean as it reliably defends the dignity and sovereignty of the nation.
    The Koreans should wage a dynamic struggle to achieve peace and reunification of this land with high national pride and self-esteem and pluck no matter how persistently and desperately the outsiders may resort to interference, obstructions and moves to provoke a war of aggression.
    All the Koreans in the north, the south and overseas should closely unite under the banner of independence and turn out as one man in the patriotic noble struggle to defend peace on the Korean Peninsula and accomplish the historic cause of national reunification as early as possible.

Withdrawal of U.S. Hostile Policy Urged

     Pyongyang, February 21 (KCNA) -- The Anti-U.S. and Anti-War Solidarity Council for the Withdrawal of the U.S. Troops in south Korea reportedly called a news conference in front of the U.S. embassy in Seoul on Feb. 16, demanding the U.S. roll back its hostile policy towards the north. The speakers at the press conference said that the U.S. has no right to talk about other's possession of nukes as it has more nuclear weapons than any other countries in the world. "We will shatter the war moves of the U.S. imperialists to make 2005 the year of reunification with national pride no matter what others may say," they declared. Accusing the U.S. of pulling up the north over its access to nukes, talking about the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula only, they held that if humankind is to be free from the nuclear threat, the U.S. should take, first of all, a practical step to eliminate its nukes of its own accord.
    They called on all Koreans to achieve independent reunification by their concerted efforts to smash the U.S. ceaseless interference and war moves.
    At the end of the press conference, Kim Ji Ha, chairman of the National Reunification Committee of the south Korean Federation of University Student Councils, held a one-by-one demonstration before the U.S. embassy, urging the renunciation of the U.S. hostile policy toward the north.

Open Questionnaire to U.S. Ambassador to S. Korea Issued

     Pyongyang, February 21 (KCNA) -- The People for Achieving Peace and Reunification, the Wind for Peace, the Solidarity for Social Progress, the Phaengsong Town Measure Committee against Expansion of the U.S. Forces' Base, the National Catholic Alliance for Justice, the Seoul District Federation of University Student Councils and the Youth and Students Solidarity for Implementing the June 15 South-North Joint Declaration in south Korea released an open questionnaire to the U.S. ambassador to south Korea on Feb. 15, according to a news report. The questionnaire referred to the fact that the "meeting of the south Korea-U.S. Alliance Security Policy Initiative" discussed in depth the issue of increasing the role of the U.S. forces in south Korea.
    What matters is that the U.S. intention is to turn the Korean Peninsula into an outpost for U.S. military supremacy in Northeast Asia, the questionnaire said, denouncing the U.S. unilateral and arrogant act of putting all sorts of pressure upon the south Korean government authorities to accept its demand.
    It went on: Increasing the role of the U.S. forces would spark arms buildup in south Korea and escalate the military tension not only in the Korean Peninsula but in Northeast Asia and, furthermore, lay a stumbling block in the way of south-north reconciliation and cooperation and peaceful reunification, the desire of the nation.
    The questionnaire demanded that what was discussed at the negotiations aimed at the permanent presence of the U.S. forces in the Korean Peninsula be withdrawn at once and all the negotiations and meetings designed to realize the U.S. unilateral ambition for military supremacy be stopped.

Kim Yong Nam Meets Congratulatory Group of Koreans in Japan

     Pyongyang, February 21 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, met a congratulatory group of Koreans in Japan led by Nam Sung U, vice-chairman of the Central Standing Committee of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, on a visit to the socialist homeland on the occasion of the auspicious February fete and had a talk with it in an atmosphere overflowing with compatriotic feelings at the Mansudae Assembly Hall today. On hand were officials concerned.

Joint Dictionary Compilation Committee Inaugurated

     Mt. Kumgang Resort, February 21 (KCNA) -- An inaugural ceremony of the Joint Compilation Committee for "Large Korean Dictionary" was held at Mt. Kumgang resort on Feb. 20. Congratulatory addresses and speeches were made.
    Mun Yong Ho, director of the Philology Institute of the Academy of Social Sciences who is chairman of the north side, in his speech recalled that President Kim Il Sung said meaningful words more than 30 years back that exchange and collaboration between scholars of the north and the south should start in the field of philology, to begin with, and gave a valuable teaching on making a dictionary of the unified national language when receiving Rev. Mun Ik Hwan on a visit to Pyongyang.
    He underscored the need for philologists from the north and the south to pool all their energies and wisdom with ardent patriotism and make successful progress in the joint work and thus successfully produce the dictionary to meet the expectation of all the Koreans.
    Hong Yun Phyo, chairman of the south side, in his speech said that the compilation of the "Large Korean Dictionary" would preserve, carry forward and develop written and spoken Korean languages and hand down national culture forever in history and that we should display the might of unity in carrying out this historical task.
    A joint press release on the inaugural ceremony was issued.
    It said: Philologists of the north and the south have decided to compile a Korean dictionary as an encyclopedia of the Korean language which crystallizes all heritages of the Korean national language and name it "Large Korean Dictionary." They have also decided to form a joint compilation committee and begin its work at the dictionary in February Juche 94 (2005) and complete it as early as possible.
    It was agreed to hold a meeting of the joint compilation committee quarterly at an agreed place and discuss and decide on all issues related to the compilation there, the press release noted.
    The first meeting of the committee took place on Feb. 2

Korean People Learn from Kim Il Sung's Revolutionary History

     Pyongyang, February 21 (KCNA) -- Activities to learn from the revolutionary activities of President Kim Il Sung have been intensified in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea from the beginning of the year. From January 22 to February 3, groups of schoolchildren from across the country marched along the course of the 250-mile Journey for National Liberation the President made in his teens 80 years ago.
    Marching from Mangyongdae, the sacred land of revolution, to Phophyong, the more than 2,000 children had a better knowledge of his lofty revolutionary will and vowed to carry forward the revolutionary cause of Juche started in Mt. Paektu.
    The great revolutionary history of the President, who dedicated his whole life only to the prosperity of the country and happiness of the people, is taken by the people as guidelines for their life and struggle.
    His reminiscences "With the Century", political books and full-length novels on his revolutionary history are still avidly read by children, youth and working people.
    The revolutionary battle sites and museums and historic sites associated with his undying revolutionary exploits and activities are visited by a large number of people.
    Thousands of people visit the Korean Revolution Museum every day.

Selection of University Students in DPRK

     Pyongyang, February 21 (KCNA) -- The selection of students for the new academic year is under way at all universities and colleges in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Public attention has been directed to the selection of the university students which is an important issue related with the future of the country, nation and the revolution.
    Anyone who received the universal eleven-year compulsory education is qualified to advance to universities or join the study-while-working system (factory, farm and fishermen's colleges and correspondence courses).
    In the DPRK, the universities open the door for graduates from middle schools so that they may realize their hope and develop their talents. And young people who work in economic sectors can apply for an examination at universities they want to study at.
    Among the examinees are discharged soldiers.
    Each university can select those with distinguished ability and talent for preparatory course.
    Under the study-while-working system, working people can study at universities or colleges commensurate with their occupation.
    The selection of students will be completed throughout the country before the start of the new academic year on April 1.

For Spanish-speaking people

Kim Jong Il recibe presente de huesped chino

     Pyongyang, 21 de febrero (ATCC) -- El Dirigente Kim Jong Il recibio presente que le dirigiera el jefe del Departamento de Enlace Internacional del Comite Central del Partido Comunista de China, Wang Jiarui, de visita en Corea. El visitante lo entrego el dia 20 a Kim Yong Nam, presidente del Presidium de la Asamblea Popular Suprema de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea.

Varios paises editan obras del Dirigente Kim Jong Il

     Pyongyang, 21 de febrero (ATCC) -- Una editora de India dio a luz en folleto la imperecedera obra clasica del Dirigente Kim Jong Il "Priorizar la labor ideologica es requisito indispensable para el cumplimiento de la causa socialista", publicada el 19 de junio del 84 (1995) de la Era Juche. La obra dilucida que para cumplir exitosamente la causa socialista es preciso tomar la ideologia por lo principal anteponiendo la labor ideologica a todas las demas labores. Ademas, aclara que el deber principal de la labor ideologica en la sociedad socialista es homogeneizar a esta con la idea socialista y esta labor debe adherirse al principio y el metodo que corresponden a la demanda intrinseca del socialismo.
    Por otra parte, la Editora de Educacion Nacional de Guinea dio a luz 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 da analisis cientifico de la limitacion de epoca de las corrientes filosoficas anteriores y la originalidad de la filosofia Juche, aclara la idea de que la filosofia Juche es la filosofia politica y revolucionaria del Partido del Trabajo de Corea y dilucida los problemas de principios que se presentan en el estudio, la explicacion y la propaganda de la filosofia Juche.
    El editor jefe subrayo que esta obra es un autentico manual que indica un principio profundo al pueblo guineo y los demas revolucionarios del mundo.

Jefes de Estado y personalidades felicitan cumpleanos de Kim Jong Il

     Pyongyang, 21 de febrero (ATCC) -- Los jefes de Estado, delegaciones partidistas y personalidades de circulos politicos y de negocios de varios paises felicitaron el cumpleanos (16 de febrero) del Dirigente Kim Jong Il. Los dias 15 y 16, el presidente de la Republica de Guinea Lansana Conte, el rey de Camboya Norodom Sihamoni y el ministro de las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Cuba, Raul Castro Ruz, enviaron cestos de flores a las embajadas de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea en sus respectivos paises.
    Mientras tanto, la delegacion del Partido por el Progreso y la Unidad de Guinea presidida por el secretario general Sekou Konate, el presidente de la Asociacion de Amistad Guinea-Corea quien es el ministro de Informacion, el director general del Comite Regional Africano para el Estudio de la Idea Juche Dorank Assifat Diasseny quien es el asesor politico del presidente guineo, el secretario nacional del Partido Democratico del Pueblo de Nigeria Bincent Ogbulafor, el director general de la Agencia de Turismo Tan Hansung, el director de la compania M. K. P. Yong Kok Yep y el director de una compania de Malaysia Chu Ke Po hicieron una visita de congratulacion entre los dias 10 y 16 a las embajadas de la RPDC acreditadas en sus paises.
    Por otra parte, el Partido del Movimiento Popular de Malaysia hizo enviar el dia 16 un cesto de flores a la embajada de la RPDC en su pais.