Congratulations to Kim Jong Il from China and Russia

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Leader Kim Jong Il was presented with a congratulatory letter and a gift in the joint name of the China Association for International Friendly Contact and the Beijing Association for International Friendly Contact and a gift by the director of the State Academic Moiseyev Dance Company of Russia on the occasion of the February holiday. The congratulatory letter and gifts were conveyed to DPRK Ambassador to China Choe Jin Su on Feb. 10 by the vice-president of the China Association for International Friendly Contact and to DPRK Ambassador to Russia Pak Ui Chun on Feb. 8 by Elena Scherbakova, director of the State Academic Moiseyev Dance Company of Russia.

Danger of U.S. Defense Department's "Report" Disclosed

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The South Headquarters of the National Alliance for the Country's Reunification on Feb. 8 reportedly issued a commentary dealing with the danger of the "Quadrennial U.S. Defense Review Report" announced by the U.S. Defense Department on Feb. 3. The commentary said that the "report" labeled the north as "a hostile regime" and, on this basis, calls for setting up a new command whereby the commanding system is simplified and bolstering up special units such as a 3,000-strong special unit of the marines, special units of all services and formations of unmanned reconnaissance planes.
    It is as clear as noonday that all these war means and forces will be targeted against the Korean Peninsula, the commentary noted.

Seminars on Kim Jong Il's Works Held in Different Countries

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Seminars on leader Kim Jong Il's famous works "The Juche Philosophy Is an Original Revolutionary Philosophy", "On Preserving the Juche Character and National Character of the Revolution and Construction" and "Respecting the Forerunners of the Revolution Is a Noble Moral Obligation of Revolutionaries" were held by the Juche Idea Study Society of Delhi, India, the Group of Youth for the Study of Kim Jong Il Juche Idea in Vienna, Austria and the Mexican Institute for the Study of the Juche Idea in the period from Feb. 4 to 8 on the occasion of the February holiday. All speakers warmly congratulated Kim Jong Il on his birthday, deeply explained and proved the historic significance of his works and expressed their resolutions to further deepen the study of them.
    B.C. Gupta, chairman of the Indian society, said that through his decades-long energetic ideological and theoretical activities Kim Jong Il comprehensively systemized and developed in depth the Juche idea founded by President Kim Il Sung, adding that the Songun politics pursued by him fully meets the requirements of the Juche idea. Thomas Losh, chief of the Austrian group, noted that the works of Kim Jong Il serve as a powerful weapon for achieving the independent cause of the popular masses now that there is the acute confrontation between the forces for independence and domination and the imperialists have become undisguised in their moves. Juan Campos Vega, chairman of the Mexican institute, noted that Kim Jong Il regarded it a noble moral obligation of revolutionaries to respect the forerunners of the revolution and led the people to have a correct viewpoint and attitude on the forerunners of the revolution, adding that this is another great exploit performed by him in the way of carrying forward to completion the revolutionary cause.

Intensified Struggle against Conclusion of FTA Called for

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Representatives of 62 civic and public organizations of south Korea including the People's Solidarity, the "National Alliance for Democracy and Reunification", the Moviemen's Measure Committee for Defending Screen Quota, the General Federation of Korean National Artistes, the Citizens' Federation of the Movement for Democratic Press and the Environment Movement Association reportedly held a press conference in Seoul on Feb. 7 at which they decided to wage a strong struggle against the negotiations for the conclusion of the south Korea-U.S. "Free Trade Agreement" (FTA). Speakers at the press conference said that their organizations will form an all-people measure committee for defending Korean films and opposing the conclusion of south Korea-U.S. FTA grouping many civic and public organizations and stand against the negotiations for the above-said conclusion.
    The representatives of civic and public organizations agreed to hold joint meetings with organizations of people from all walks of life in the future so as to form the all-people measure committee and, at the same time, hold a candlelight cultural function for checking the conclusion of FTA.

Korean People's Cause of National Reunification Supported in Indonesia

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Rachmawati Soekarnoputri, chairwoman of the Vanguard Party of Indonesia, in a statement on Feb. 9 expressed full support to all the Korean people in their efforts to achieve the independent reunification of the country in the idea of "By our nation itself" clarified in the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration which was adopted and published at the north-south summit in 2000. The idea of "By our nation itself" clearly indicating the correct way of Korea's reunification is not only raising the Korean people's consciousness of independence but preserving the national character and leading them to the road of reunification and national unity, she noted.
    She expressed the conviction that the Korean nation would valiantly advance along the road of independent reunification, meeting the challenges of history with one and the same desire and will.

Working People's Organizations Celebrate February 16

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- A meeting of workers and trade union members took place at the Central Workers' Hall on Feb. 14 to celebrate the birthday of leader Kim Jong Il. Ryom Sun Gil, chairman of the Central Committee of the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea, made a report at the meeting.
    The reporter and speakers said that Kim Jong Il has wisely led the revolutionary cause of Juche for decades, performing epoch-making feats.
    Kim Jong Il has developed in depth the Songun idea and line, founded and consistently embodied by President Kim Il Sung, as required by the era and the developing revolution, they noted.
    A poem devoted to his birthday "Song of Best Wishes to February" was recited at the meeting.
    A performance was given by the workers' art squad of the GFTUK Central Committee on the same day.
    That day a meeting of members of the Korean Democratic Women's Union for celebrating February 16 was held at the Women's Hall.
    Pak Sun Hui, chairwoman of the Central Committee of the union, in her speech said that the course of the glorious and brilliant revolutionary activities of Kim Jong Il represents a heroic epical history for the genius of revolution and construction, a peerlessly brilliant commander who has glorified the history of modern Korea as the history of great Kim Il Sung's Korea under the banner of the ever-victorious Juche idea, the Songun idea.
    An art performance was given at the meeting. Its performers included women who have distinguished themselves in upholding the Songun revolutionary leadership of the Workers' Party of Korea, members of the women's union who have devoted their ardent patriotism to the building of a rich and powerful country, women who have done a lot of good things for society and the collective, the mothers who brought up their sons and daughters as strong pillars of the country and officials of women's union organizations at all levels.
    Present at the functions was Kim Jung Rin, secretary of the Central Committee of the WPK.

Combined Performance Given by Art Groups of Ministry of People's Armed Forces

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Art groups of the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces gave a combined performance at the April 25 House of Culture on Feb. 14 to celebrate February 16. Appreciating the performance were Kim Yong Chun, chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army, Kim Il Chol, minister of the People's Armed Forces, leading officials of the ministry and servicepersons.
    In the numbers such as choruses "Best Wishes for the Good Health of Comrade Supreme Commander," "Road to Far-off Front" and men's chorus "Joy in Greeting the Sun" the performers sang high praises of the highest honor and pride of having Kim Jong Il as the supreme commander of the revolutionary armed forces because he is unboundedly praised by all people as the sun of the 21st century and the loyalty of all the servicepersons and people who wish the headquarters of the revolution safety. Witty talk "Bright Face," national instrumental ensemble "Post in Spring" and other numbers truthfully represented the revolutionary optimism and militant spirit of the Korean servicepersons who are exalting their honor as the pacesetters in the Songun era and a shock brigade for the building of a great prosperous powerful nation, firmly holding the arms of revolution in hands.
    Their repertoire also included story-telling and song "For the Motherland," group poem-reciting "Let's Keep Step with the General's Revolutionary Daily Program," trumpet trio and chorus "Let's Become the Seventh Regiment of Modern Type" which depict the revolutionary determination of the KPA to firmly defend the forefront of the country.

Iranian Ambassador Hosts Reception

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Iranian Ambassador to the DPRK Jalaleddin Namini Mianji hosted a reception at the embassy on Feb. 14 on the occasion of the birthday of leader Kim Jong Il. The ambassador said in a speech that Kim Jong Il served as an aide to President Kim Il Sung in his revolutionary work from long ago and is successfully carrying forward and accomplishing his cause after his demise.
    He hoped that the bilateral relations would further expand and develop in various fields.
    He supported the Korean people in their struggle for the reunification of the country and hoped for peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.
    Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, speaking next, said: We, who value the friendly and cooperative relations with Iran forged in the struggle for independence against imperialism and the U.S., will work hard to expand and develop the bilateral relations onto a new higher stage in various fields this year, too.
    Referring to the great achievements made by the government and people of Iran in the work for the independent development of the country and its economic growth despite the moves of the U.S. to interfere in the internal affairs of Iran and isolate and stifle it, he extended support and solidarity to the Iranian government and people in their efforts to attain the right of peaceful nuclear activities.
    Present on invitation were Jong Yong Su, minister of Labor, Mun Jae Chol, acting chairman of the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries, and other officials concerned.

Foreigners Visit Kimjongilia Festival Venue

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Foreign diplomatic envoys, representatives of international organizations and officials in charge of cultural and friendly relations of foreign embassies here visited the venue of the 10th Kimjongilia Festival on Feb. 14. The guests went round immortal flowers in full bloom with deep emotion and made entries in the visitor's book.
    Cuban Ambassador Ruben Perez Valdes wrote that Kimjongilia carrying the august name of Supreme Commander Kim Jong Il is blooming all over the world. Councilor of the Romanian embassy Ioan Dedean wrote that the visit to the festival venue offered him an opportunity to know well about boundless reverence for Kim Jong Il and the might of the Korean people's unity around him.
    Earlier, officials in charge of cultural and friendly relations of foreign embassies visited the venue of the first national sketch festival for celebrating February 16.

Friendly Meeting for Officials of Working People's Organizations

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Wu Donghe arranged a friendly meeting for officials of working people's organizations at the embassy on Feb. 14. Present on invitation were Ryom Sun Gil, chairman of the Central Committee of the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea, Kim Kyong Ho, first secretary of the Central Committee of the Kim Il Sung Socialist Youth League, Kang Chang Uk, chairman of the Central Committee of the Union of Agricultural Workers of Korea, Pak Sun Hui, chairperson of the Central Committee of the Korean Democratic Women's Union, and other officials of working people's organizations.
    On hand were officials of the Chinese embassy.
    Speeches were made at the meeting.
    The participants talked to each other about the development of exchange and cooperation between the working people's organizations of the two countries under the deep care of leader Kim Jong Il and President Hu Jintao, deepening friendship.

Film Show for Chinese Residents

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The Pyongyang City People's Committee arranged a film show for Chinese residents in the city at the Taedonggang Club for the Diplomatic Corps on Feb. 14 on the occasion of the birthday of leader Kim Jong Il. Present on invitation were officials of the Central Committee of the Federation of Chinese Residents in Korea including its vice-chairman and Chinese residents in the city.
    On hand were officials of the Pyongyang City People's Committee. The participants saw a Korean documentary film "Grand Celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Party Foundation in the Presence of the Great Leader Comrade Kim Jong Il".
    The film show was followed by a singing session of Chinese residents for celebrating the auspicious holiday of February.
    The performers emotionally sang such songs of praise for the great persons as "Song Devoted to Comrade Kim Jong Il" and "We Present Best Wishes". They also put on the stage colorful numbers including mixed duet "The Country I Am Defending", male chorus "Blue Sky over My Country", female solo "Songun Nilliri" and mixed singing in unison with drums beating "My Prosperous Country".

Overseas Koreans' Art Groups Give Premiere Here

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Art groups of overseas Koreans gave their premiere at the Yun I Sang Concert Hall on Feb. 14 to celebrate February 16. Korean artistes from China, the United States and Canada put on the stage those works they prepared with their ardent reverence for leader Kim Jong Il. Piano solo "Dear General, Where Are You", an immortal classic work, orchestra "General of Korea", piano concerto "Snowstorm on Mt. Paektu", male vocal solo "Soldiers Live Near the General", female vocal solo "Fatherland, Prosper" and other songs the Korean people are fond of were acclaimed by the audience. The premiere was overflowing with feelings of deep trust and reverence for Kim Jong Il, the benevolent father of the nation and the lodestar of national reunification. Appreciating the performance were officials concerned and working people in the city. Among the audience were overseas Koreans including members of the congratulatory groups of the Federation of Koreans in Canada and the Federation of Koreans in Australia.
    The performance continues.

Floral Basket to Kim Jong Il from C.C., CPC

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Leader Kim Jong Il was presented with a floral basket by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on the occasion of his birthday. It was conveyed to an official concerned by Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Wu Donghe on Wednesday.

New Technology for Photographing Underground Fault Developed

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The Geological Institute under the State Academy of Sciences of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has developed a new technology for photographing underground fault. Pictures of such complex topographical and geological features as Korea's which were taken with the previous photographing technique are not clear so that they could not ensure the scientific accuracy of analysis.
    Scientists found out the principle of concentrating the sensitivity and solved scientific and technical issues arising in its application.
    The new technology makes it possible to photograph even a section 200 meters deep under the ground.
    The projects of boring and tunneling pits to survey stratum are not needed any more. In recent years, the survey of dam beds for power stations could be carried out in a short time with the help of the new technology. As the result, the speed of projects has been increased and the safety of structures been ensured so as to reduce state investment remarkably.

Samjiyon Schoolchildren's Palace Reconstructed on Expansion Basis

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The Samjiyon Schoolchildren's Palace, located at the foot of Mt. Paektu in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, has been reconstructed on an expansion basis. It, with a total floor space of 7,800 square meters, consists of the main building, a theater and a gymnasium. The palace has more than 120 rooms and 20 circle rooms. It goes well with the surrounding topographical features in formative arts. And the decorations engraved on its interior and exterior in relief and murals caters to the aesthetic sense of the times.
    The main building houses a computer room, an electronic amusement room and a library.
    There are murals reflecting juvenile stories told by the three generals of Mt. Paektu in the theatre with a 300-odd seating capacity. And its stage is furnished with modern lighting apparatuses.
    Well arranged in the gymnasium with waiting rooms are places for basketball, volleyball, table-tennis and Taekwon-Do.
    Leader Kim Jong Il, while guiding the work in Samjiyon County on the spot in October Juche 91 (2002), said that as a large number of expeditionists visit there every year, the schoolchildren's palace should be rebuilt on an expansion basis along modern line and better cultural and welfare facilities provided to them. And he showed a great love and affection so that it could be reconstructed on a high level.

National Meeting Celebrates February 16

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- A national meeting to celebrate February 16 took place at the April 25 House of Culture Wednesday. Among those present there were Kim Yong Nam, Jo Myong Rok, Pak Pong Ju and other senior officials.
    Also present there on invitation were diplomatic envoys of different countries, representatives of international organizations and members of the military attaches' corps here and other foreign guests.
    Yang Hyong Sop, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and vice-president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, in a report said that the birth of leader Kim Jong Il as a son of legendary guerillas at a time when the great event of the liberation of Korea that meant the ultimate victory in the anti-Japanese war was approaching was a great fortune for the nation and an auspicious event for humankind as it brought about a bright future in carving out the destiny of the Koreans and in the history of the development of the Juche revolution.
    　The reporter continued:
    Kim Jong Il's sacred history of revolutionary leadership is great in that he applied President Kim Il Sung's revolutionary idea and exploits and built socialist Korea of Juche where the President's noble idea of achieving the independence of the popular masses has come true and reliably defended the sovereignty of the country and the nation and the destiny of the country and the people.
    Kim Jong Il' glorious history of revolutionary activities has been a history of great succession as he has met all challenges of history, firmly defended the idea and cause of the President and steadily carried the Juche revolution to successful completion, holding high the banner of the idea of Songun, the banner of the Juche idea. 　To consolidate the single-minded unity of the servicepersons and people around the leader as firm as an iron wall provides a basic guarantee for achieving the prosperity of socialism.
    　It is necessary to thoroughly establish the trait of attaching importance to the military affairs throughout the society and give top priority to the development of national defence industry as required by the line of economic construction in the Songun era and thus steadily bolster up the war deterrent for self-defence. 　This year we should put spurs to the general march of the Songun revolution once again under the militant slogan "Make fresh leap forward in building a great prosperous powerful socialist country with the might of Songun!" and bring about a radical turn in the economic construction and in the efforts to improve the standard of the people's living.
    　The reporter called for waging the vigorous patriotic movement for independent reunification, peace against war and great national unity true to the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration to resolutely foil all the obstructive moves of the U.S. and its allied forces and bring about a fresh turning phase in the cause of national reunification.
    　All the issues between the DPRK and the U.S. including the nuclear issue can never be settled as long as the U.S. invariably pursues an anachronistic hostile policy toward the DPRK, the reporter noted, warning that the army and people of the DPRK will mobilize all the potentials they have built up with the might of Songun and thus wipe out the aggressors to the last man and victoriously conclude the protracted stand-off with the U.S. should the U.S. ignite a war of aggression against it at any cost.

10th Kimjongilia Festival Opens

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The 10th Kimjongilia Festival was inaugurated with splendor here. On display at the Kimilsungia-Kimjongilia Exhibition, the venue of the festival situated on the bank of the River Taedong, are more than 23,000 potted Kimjongilias presented by over 100 organizations including military organs, commissions and ministries of the Cabinet, national institutions and servicepersons, working people from all walks of life, school youth and children and the Central Standing Committee of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) and overseas Koreans, foreign embassies in Pyongyang and friendship and social organizations in different countries and Chinese residents in the DPRK.
    Immortal Kimjongilias, a variety of beautiful and rare flowers and decorations in the venue presented fantastic scenery. An opening ceremony took place on Feb. 14.
    Present there were Choe Thae Bok, Yang Hyong Sop and Kwak Pom Gi, vice-premier of the Cabinet, and others. Also present there were members of delegations of Chongryon including a congratulatory group of Koreans in Japan headed by Nam Sung U, vice-chairman of the Central Standing Committee of Chongryon, and members of other congratulatory groups of overseas Koreans staying in the socialist homeland to celebrate the birthday of leader Kim Jong Il.
    Kang Nung Su, chairman of the Kimilsungia-Kimjongilia Committee, in his opening address said that the annual grand festival is a floral festival representing the best wishes of the servicepersons and people as they extend the greatest glory and the warmest congratulations to Kim Jong Il who has demonstrated the dignity and might of Songun Korea all over the world and a great political festival showcasing the true appearance of the Korean people firmly rallied around him.
    The desire of the servicepersons and the people of the DPRK to cultivate with all care Kimjongilia shining with the august name of the peerlessly great man and bring it into full bloom has grown stronger year after year and the Kimjongilia festival got more unique in its form and gained in scope as the days go by, he said. He called upon all the participants in the festival to widely introduce the greatness of Kim Jong Il through the cultivation propagation of the immortal flower and festival and fully demonstrate the single-minded unity of the Korean society. At the end of the ceremony, its participants looked round the exhibition of the flower of the sun.

Demonstration March of Korean and Russian Military Bands

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The Korean and Russian military bands made a demonstration march in Pyongyang on Feb. 14 to celebrate February 16. Participating in the march were the military band of the Korean People's Army and the central military band of the Defence Ministry of Russia on a visit to the DPRK. Lined up at the foot of Mansu Hill where the statue of President Kim Il Sung is standing was a march troupe consisting of the Korean and Russian military bands for celebrating February 16.
    The march began with the two military bands' joint playing of "Song of General Kim Jong Il" and "March of Songun Victory".
    The marchers started.
    The KPA military band made a proud march, solemnly performing song "Long Live Generalissimo Kim Il Sung", "The General Is the Son of Guerrillas" and "No Motherland without You".
    The central military band of the Defence Ministry of Russia marched full of vigor, playing songs "Victory" and "March of Russia" which represent the militant and optimistic life of the Russian army and people who wiped out fascism. Valerii Khalilov, chief of the Military Orchestra Service and its chief conductor of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, praised Kim Jong Il for paying a deep concern to the art of military music, noting that he came to know well about the Songun politics through his several visits to the DPRK.
    The march troupe entered Kim Il Sung Square through Changjon crossroads. The march troupe was welcomed at the square by Russian Ambassador to the DPRK Andrei Karlov and embassy officials together with working people in the city. The march ended with the playing of wind music "Please Receive Our Salute".

Art Troupe of Koreans in Japan Gives Its Premiere

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- A combined song and dance performance "For Leap Forward under Leadership of General" was given by the art troupe of Koreans in Japan at the Pyongyang Grand Theatre Tuesday in celebration of February 16. They raised the curtain with mixed chorus "We Have Come to See the General" representing the best wishes of the Koreans in Japan for leader Kim Jong Il who has demonstrated all over the world the dignity and might of the socialist homeland of Juche and the Korean nation with the great Songun revolutionary leadership. They sang high praises of the unbounded honor and pride of holding the peerlessly great man in high esteem as the father of the nation through colorful numbers such as female vocal solo "February Is Spring", solo dance "Chima and Jokori, Korean Long Skirt and Jacket protected by General Kim Jong Il" and narration and song "We Believe in You as in Heaven."
    In the songs replete with revolutionary stamina and optimism including mixed duet "In the Morning for Start", mixed sextet "Let's Advance Faster for Higher Goal" and male vocal solo "Let's Live for Morrow", they truthfully represented the proud appearance of the Koreans in Japan dynamically advancing with patriotism, always keeping pace with the people in the homeland full of great ambition and confidence even in the far-off alien land.
    The performance was high in ideological value and artistry, rich in emotion and national flavor. It was highly acclaimed by the audience as it successfully represented the firm determination of the compatriots in Japan to hold Kim Jong Il in high esteem as the great sun of the 21st century. Appreciating the performance were Kim Jin Song, minister of Culture, officials concerned and working people in the city. The performance goes on.

U.S. Invariable Attempt at Preemptive Nuclear Attack Assailed

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The U.S. Bush administration in a "defense review report" published by the Defense Department shortly ago singled out the military operation against "terrorist organizations and rogue states" as an important military strategic task and disclosed the plan to drastically bolster up special military force to this end. This once again clearly proves the bellicose nature of the U.S. as a major harasser of global peace and stability, observes Minju Joson Wednesday in a signed commentary. It goes on:
    The true aim sought by the U.S. in its loud-mouthed military operation against "rogue states" is to put into practice its attempt at a preemptive nuclear attack on the anti-imperialist independent countries at any cost and realize its ambition to hold world hegemony.
    The U.S. ambition to dominate the world through adventurous preemptive nuclear attacks is a pipe dream. The U.S. nuke-is-all-powerful theory will never work on any part of the world.
    Those fond of playing with fire are bound to perish in the flames kindled by themselves, the commentary observes, urging the Bush administration not to forget the lesson taught by history but immediately drop its anachronistic policy.

Congratulations to Kim Jong Il from Economic and Trade Councilors' Corps

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Leader Kim Jong Il received a floral basket and a congratulatory letter from the economic and trade councilors' corps here on the occasion of his birthday. They were conveyed to an official concerned today by Gu Jinsheng, economic and trade councilor of the Chinese embassy here, on behalf of the corps.

Congratulations to Prime Minister of Kuwait

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Pak Pong Ju, premier of the DPRK Cabinet, sent a congratulatory message to Sheikh Nasser Al-Muhammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah upon his appointment as prime minister of Kuwait. The message wished him success in his new responsible job as well as good health and happiness.

Congratulations to Kim Jong Il from Cultural Attaches

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Leader Kim Jong Il was presented with a floral basket and a congratulatory letter by officials in charge of cultural and friendly ties of different embassies here on the occasion of his birthday. They were handed to an official concerned today by Ioan Dedean, councillor of the Romanian embassy here, on behalf of the officials.

Congratulations to Kim Jong Il from Japanese Public Figure

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Leader Kim Jong Il was presented with a floral basket and a congratulatory letter by a representative of the Japanese Aichi and Mie Prefectural Liaison Society for Supporting Korea's Reunification on a visit to the DPRK on the occasion of his birthday. They were conveyed to an official concerned by representative Kazunori Nakagawa on Wednesday.

Floral Basket to Kim Jong Il

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Leader Kim Jong Il was presented with a floral basket by the family of Zhang Weihua, anti-Japanese revolutionary martyr, on the occasion of his birthday. The ribbon of the basket bore letters "We sincerely wish the great leader Comrade Kim Jong Il good health."

Floral Basket to Kim Jong Il from Japanese Delegation

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Leader Kim Jong Il received a floral basket from the Japanese delegation for the study of the Juche idea on the occasion of his birthday. The basket was handed to an official concerned today by Etsuko Shimada, secretary general of the Kanagawa, Japan, Prefectural Society for the Study of Kim Jong Il's Works who is heading the delegation.

Yang Hyong Sop Meets General Secretary of WPB

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, met and had a friendly conversation with Baudouin Deckers, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Belgium, at the Mansudae Assembly Hall Wednesday. The general secretary noted that since the collapse of socialism in East European countries the Workers' Party of Korea has energetically struggled for the revival of the socialist movement, holding higher the banner of Juche. Thanks to the Songun politics of leader Kim Jong Il socialism in Korea continues making a long drive following up the victory, he said.

Kim Jong Il Enjoys Performance Given by Russian Military Band

     Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army Kim Jong Il, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission, Wednesday enjoyed a performance given by the central military band of the Defence Ministry of Russia on a visit to the DPRK. He was greeted at the theatre by Valerii Khalilov, chief of the Military Orchestral Service and its chief conductor of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, and Andrei Karlov, Russian ambassador to the DPRK.
    Kim Jong Il warmly welcomed the DPRK visit of the military band and had a cordial conversation with the Russian guests.
    When he appeared in the auditorium, the entire audience enthusiastically welcomed him with a stormy applause.
    Artistes of the Russian central military band offered him the best wishes, presenting him with bouquets that represented their deepest reverence.
    Among the audience were Premier of the DPRK Cabinet Pak Pong Ju, Chief of the KPA General Staff Kim Yong Chun who is member of the NDC of the DPRK, Minister of the People's Armed Forces Kim Il Chol who is member of the NDC of the DPRK, and Choe Thae Bok and Kim Ki Nam, secretaries of the Central Committee of the WPK, Vice-President of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly Yang Hyong Sop, First Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Sok Ju and leading cadres of the Party and the army, senior officials of ministries and national institutions and officials in the fields of literature and arts and media and KPA servicepersons. Also among the audience were the Russian ambassador and staff members of the Russian embassy.
    Artistes of the Russian central military band put on the stage piano concerto "The first movement of No. 2 Piano Concerto composed by Rakhmaninov", female soprano "Oriole", wind music "March of Songun Victory", wind music for trumpet solo "Venice Carnival", bass solo "Long Journey", sopilka solo "Vatra", accordion solo "Carrousel", wind music for xylophone solo "Russian Mosaic", female solo of folk song "Saturday", wind music waltz "Friendship" and other colorful numbers.
    The performers truthfully represented the Russian people's warm love of the country, their optimistic life and national custom in high artistry.
    The performance ended with wind music "Song of General Kim Jong Il". The performance was highly acclaimed by the audience as it was pervaded with the warm feelings of the DPRK-Russia friendship.
    Kim Jong Il sent a floral basket to the Russian artistes, congratulating them on their successful performance.
    He had a photo session with the artistes of the Russian central military band that day.

For Spanish-speaking people

Invariable intencion norteamericana de ataque preventivo nuclear

    　Pyongyang, 15 de febrero (ATCC) -- En un "informe de reexaminacion" emitido recientemente por el Departamento de Defensa, la administracion Bush fijo como una importante tarea estrategica la operacion militar contra las "entidades terroristas y Estados bribones" y planeo aumentar en gran medida las tropas especiales para este fin. 　Esto vuelve a demostrar la naturaleza belicosa de Estados Unidos que es peor perturbador de la paz y la estabilidad del mundo.
    　Asi senala el periodico Minju Joson en un comentario individual del dia 15 y prosigue: 　La operacion militar contra los "Estados bribones", de que habla tanto EE.UU., persigue un malsano proposito de lograr a toda costa la hegemonia mundial al llevar a la practica su intencion de dar ataque preventivo nuclear a los paises independientes antiimperialistas, lo cual resulta una vana ilusion.
    　La logica de todopoderosas fuerzas nucleares del imperio ya no surte efectos en el mundo de hoy.
    　Es una ley que los apegados al fuego se mueren quemados. La administracion Bush no debe olvidar esta leccion de la historia sino desistir de inmediato de esa politica tan anacronica.

Iniciado el decimo festival de Kimjongilias

    　Pyongyang, 15 de febrero (ATCC) -- El decimo Festival de Kimjongilias quedo inaugurado solemnemente el dia 14 en la capitalina Exposicion Permanente de Kimilsungia y Kimjongilia, situada a la ribera del rio Taedong. Fueron exhibidas alli mas de 23 mil unidades de Kimjongilia que cultivaron mas de 100 entidades, inclusive las instituciones de las fuerzas armadas, los comites del Consejo de Ministros, ministerios y organos centrales; militares del Ejercito Popular de Corea, trabajadores de distintos sectores, jovenes y ninos escolares, el presidium del CC de la Chongryon (Asociacion General de Coreanos Residentes en Japon), coreanos en ultramar, las embajadas de varios paises en Corea, las entidades de amistad y sociales del extranjero y chinos residentes en Corea.
    Las flores Kimjongilias, raras y hermosas plantas decorativas y otros ornamentos de diversos tipos coronaron de mil maravillas la sede del festival. En el acto inaugural participaron Choe Thae Bok, Yang Hyong Sop, el vicepremier del Consejo de Ministros Kwak Pom Gi y otros funcionarios.
    Ademas, estuvieron presentes las delegaciones de la Chongryon, incluido el grupo de felicitacion de coreanos residentes en Japon presidido por Nam Sung U, vicepresidente del presidium del CC de la Chongryon, e integrantes de los grupos congratulatorios de coreanos residentes en ultramar, de visita en la patria socialista en ocasion del cumpleanos del Dirigente Kim Jong Il.
    Kang Nung Su, presidente del Comite Coreano de Kimilsungia y Kimjongilia, en sus palabras de apertura, senalo que este festival, que se desarrolla solemnemente cada ano, deviene un certamen floral del ejercito y el pueblo de Corea para rendir la maxima gloria y la mas calida felicitacion al Dirigente, quien exalta a todo el mundo la dignidad y el poderio de Corea del Songun (priorizacion militar), y una magna cita politica que muestra los verdaderos aspectos de los coreanos compactamente unidos en torno a aquel. Destaco que se agrandan ano por ano la aspiracion y el deseo de los militares del EPC y los demas habitantes de cultivar con sumo cuidado y conseguir flores mas rojas de Kimjongilia, que lleva el nombre del gran hombre sin igual, y anadio que el festival se torna cada vez mas renovado y cobra mayor dimension. 　Llamo a todos los participantes en el evento a dar a conocer la noble personalidad y sublimes virtudes del Dirigente a traves del cultivo, proliferacion y festival de Kimjongilias y poner de pleno manifiesto el aspecto de nuestra sociedad monoliticamente unida.
    　Terminada la inauguracion, los participantes recorrieron el lugar del festival de estas flores del Sol.