Congratulatory Messages to Kim Jong Il

     Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- Leader Kim Jong Il received congratulatory messages from the Standing Council of the Federation of Korean Traders and Industrialists in Japan, the Central Standing Committees of the Korean Youth League in Japan and the Union of Democratic Korean Women in Japan and other bodies and organizations under the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon), the Choson Sinbo , the Korean News Service, the Haku Sobang Publishing House, the Kumgangsan Opera Troupe and other business bodies, each local headquarters of Chongryon, Joson University, Korean schools of all levels in Japan and compatriots on the occasion of his birthday. The messages heartily extended the highest glory and warmest congratulations to Kim Jong Il, the sun of the 21st century and benevolent father of the nation, representing the infinite reverence and loyalty of Chongryon officials and Koreans in Japan for him on the occasion of the auspicious greatest national holiday of February. The Chongryon officials and Koreans in Japan, filled with the great national pride of holding the great brilliant commander of Songun in esteem, will steadily take a patriotic road, keeping step with the people in the homeland who are making a comprehensive offensive toward the high peak of building a great prosperous powerful socialist nation full of great ambition and confidence under the leadership of Kim Jong Il this year significantly marking the 80th founding anniversary of the Down-with-Imperialism Union, the messages said, stressing: Chongryon officials and Koreans in Japan will thoroughly implement the June 15 joint declaration, holding high the slogans "Let us vigorously forward the patriotic movement for independent reunification, peace against war and great national unity under the banner of 'by our nation itself!'" and thus make positive contributions to opening a new phase in the cause of national reunification.

Celebration Meetings in Different Countries

     Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- Meetings were held in Warsaw of Poland, Ostfold of Norway and Lahore of Pakistan from Feb. 2 to 7 to celebrate the holiday of February. Speeches were made at the meetings.
    Juzef Lachut, vice-chairman of the National Executive Committee of the Polish Communist Party, highly praised leader Kim Jong Il for firmly defending socialism, peace and regional stability with his extraordinary courage and strategy. His outstanding Songun politics serves as a firm guarantee for the Korean people to put an end to all sorts of interference of the foreign forces and achieve the peaceful reunification of the country in the idea of "By our nation itself", said the vice-chairman. Dag Norum, chairman of the Ostfold County Committee of the Communist Party of Norway, noted that Kim Jong Il has wisely led the whole party, the whole army and all the people to build a great prosperous powerful socialist nation under the banner of socialism by successfully carrying forward the revolutionary cause of President Kim Il Sung. C. R. Aslam, president of the Pakistan Socialist Party, expressed the belief that the Korean people would decisively smash the U.S. imperialists' moves to isolate and stifle them and achieve the reunification of the country in an independent and peaceful way under the wise leadership of Kim Jong Il.
    Congratulatory messages to Kim Jong Il were adopted at the meetings held in Norway and Pakistan.

Foreign Figures Visit DPRK Embassies

     Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- Leaders and representatives of the Workers' Party, the Socialist Party, the Communist Party (Marxist−Leninist), the National Socialist Party and other political parties under the Left Democratic Front of Bangladesh, the Malaysian vice-minister of Youth and Sports, the chairman of the Standing Committee of Science and Technology of the National Assembly of Thailand, members of the Syrian People's Assembly who are delegates of the Syria-Korea Friendship Parliamentary Group and the vice-chairman and international secretary of the Central Committee of the Brazilian Communist Party paid congratulatory visits to the relevant DPRK embassies from Feb. 7 to 13 on the occasion of the birthday of leader Kim Jong Il. Representatives of foreign political parties and organizations and public figures laid floral baskets and bouquets before the portraits or statues of President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il and made bows.
    They highly praised the exploits of Kim Jong Il who is making immortal contributions to the Korean revolution and the human cause of independence under the banner of Songun and sincerely wished him good health and great success in his work.

Foreigners Release Statements on Holiday of February

     Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- The chairman of the Mfumalanga Provincial Committee of the South African Communist Party who is provincial minister of Land and Agriculture and Dilip Barua, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party (Marxist−Leninist) of Bangladesh, made public statements respectively on Feb. 10 and 9 on the occasion of the February holiday. They said in the statements that Kim Jong Il, the great leader of the Korean people, have comprehensively systematized and enriched the Juche idea founded by President Kim Il Sung and formulated it as the guiding idea indicating the road ahead of the era with his energetic ideological and theoretical activities, and converted Korea into a powerful socialist country as it is.
    They noted that the Korean people are dynamically advancing along the road of Juche, meeting all challenges of the imperialists even under the present complicated international situation, which is unthinkable without the outstanding Songun leadership of Kim Jong Il, an ever-victorious banner.
    The indomitable struggle of the heroic Korean people gives great confidence and courage to the progressive peoples of the world who aspire after a new just society free from exploitation, they said.

Song and Dance Performance Celebrates February 16

     Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- The Song and Dance Ensemble of the Korean People's Army gave a performance celebrating February 16 at the Servicemen's Hall of the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces on Thursday. Put on the stage were songs and dances representing the unbounded reverence and best wishes of the KPA and the people for Kim Jong Il including instrumental music and song "We Present Flowers to You" and "Native Home Covered with White Snow." The performers depicted with deep emotion the deep trust of the KPA and the people in Kim Jong Il in such numbers as female folk solo "When We Advance after Him," comic story "Arirang for Prosperity" and dance "Spring in Secret Camp." The performance ended with instrumental music and song "Let's Support Our Supreme Commander with Arms," which powerfully demonstrated the iron-willed faith and will of the KPA and the people.
    Among the audience were Jo Myong Rok, director of the General Political Department of the KPA, Kim Yong Chun, chief of the General Staff of the KPA, Kim Il Chol, minister of the People's Armed Forces, leading officials of the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces and KPA servicepersons.

Kim Yong Nam Meets Art Troupe of Koreans in Japan

     Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, met and had a talk in a compatriotic atmosphere with the art troupe of Koreans in Japan for celebrating Feb. 16 led by Kim Kyong Hwa, deputy head of the Kumgangsan Opera Troupe of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) on Thursday. On hand were Kim Ki Nam, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, Ro Tu Chol, vice-premier of the Cabinet, and Nam Sung U, vice-chairman of the Central Standing Committee of Chongryon who is heading the congratulatory group of Koreans in Japan on a visit to the socialist homeland.

Joint National Meeting of KCU Organizations

     Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- A joint national meeting of the Korean Children's Union organizations took place at the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium on Feb. 16 in celebration of the birthday of leader Kim Jong Il. Present at the meeting were representatives of all provincial committees of the KCU, Children's Union members in Pyongyang and children joining in the KCU. Present on invitation were Secretaries of the C.C., the Workers' Party of Korea Choe Thae Bok and Kim Jung Rin, Minister of Education Kim Yong Jin, Chairman of the Pyongyang City People's Committee Ryang Man Gil, former anti-Japanese revolutionary fighters, officials of educational institutions and press media and senior party officials, youth league officials, war veterans and men of merited service in Pyongyang. The meeting began with chorus "Song of General Kim Jong Il" and a congratulatory poem "Our holiday, joyful holiday" was recited. Then followed a ceremony of admission to the KCU.
    Those schoolchildren joining in the KCU entered the venue of the meeting and solemnly made a pledge before the flag of the KCU at the call of former anti-Japanese revolutionary fighter Kim Ryong Yon.
    Cadres, former anti-Japanese revolutionary fighters, war veterans, youth league officials and men of merited service put red neckties around the necks of the affiliated children and pinned KCU badges in congratulation of their admission on the greatest national holiday.
    The children made their first salute, responding with pleasure to the slogan "Let's always get ready for the respected General Kim Jong Il!" with loud chorus "Ready always!"
    Then came congratulatory speeches by former anti-Japanese revolutionary fighter Ri Jong San, war veteran Ri Sang Ju, Doc. Jon Sung Guk, room chief of the Kim Chaek University of Technology, and people's sportswoman Kye Sun Hui, winner of the "Kim Il Sung Prize" and labor hero.

Greetings to Lithuanian President

     Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Thursday sent a message of greetings to Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus on the occasion of the national day of Lithuania. Kim expressed the belief that the friendly and cooperative relations between the DPRK and Lithuania would favorably develop in mutual interests.

First Camping at Jangjasan Children's Union Camp

     Kanggye, February 16 (KCNA) -- The first camping of this year has started at the Jangjasan Children's Union Camp on the occasion of the significant holiday of February. At a ceremony of receiving campers a report was made by Jang Myong Ho, director of the camp, which was followed by speeches.
    The reporter and speakers said that the camp built on Mt. Jangja, a significant place associated with undying footprints leader Kim Jong Il left during the past Fatherland Liberation War, is a good extracurricular educational base of the Children's Union members provided under the warm loving care of the Workers' Party of Korea. They called upon all the campers to deeply cherish loyalty to Kim Jong Il and firmly prepare themselves to be reliable pillars of the country who are knowledgeable, virtuous and healthy and thus carry out the cause of Songun.
    Campers marched past at the end of the ceremony.
    They were congratulated by Pak To Chun, chief secretary of the Jagang Provincial Committee of the WPK, Choe Ki Ryong, chairman of the Jagang Provincial People's Committee, Kim In Nam, chairman of the Jagang Provincial Rural Economic Management Committee and others.

Art Troupe of Koreans in Japan Gives Guest Performance

     Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- The art troupe of Koreans in Japan celebrating February 16 gave a song and dance performance "For Leap Forward under Leadership of the General" for guests of honor at the Pyongyang Grand Theatre on Thursday. Present on invitation were Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Kim Ki Nam, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, Ro Tu Chol, vice-premier of the DPRK Cabinet, officials concerned and working people in the city.
    Among the audience were delegations of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) including the congratulatory group of Koreans in Japan headed by Nam Sung U, vice-chairman of the Central Standing Committee of Chongryon, and overseas compatriots on a visit to the socialist homeland.
    The art troupe consisting of dignified and talented artistes of the Kumgangsan Opera Troupe of Chongryon put colorful numbers on the stage.
    The performers presented art works praising the great man including mixed chorus "We Have Come to See the General", female vocal solo "February Is Spring", narration and song "We Believe in You as in Heaven" and female duet "A Cuckoo on a Road to the Front" carrying the best wishes of the 700,000 compatriots in Japan for Kim Jong Il whom they believe and follow even in an alien land.
    The performers were warmly acclaimed by the audience for successfully representing the features of Koreans in Japan steadily following the road of patriotism in male solo "For the Only One Country" and "Let's Live for Morrow", mixed duet "In the Morning for Start" and female trio "We Love Our School."
    The performance closed with mixed chorus "Let's Chongryon Advance under the Leadership of the General."

Celebration Concert Held

     Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- Artistes of the National Symphony Orchestra gave a concert celebrating February 16, birthday of leader Kim Jong Il, at the People's Palace of Culture on Thursday. The concert was appreciated by Pak Pong Ju, Ri Yong Mu, Yang Hyong Sop and others. Present on invitation were diplomatic envoys of different countries and members of the military attaches' corps in Pyongyang, members of the central military band of the Defence Ministry of Russia and foreign guests.
    Put on the stage were the fourth movement symphony "Glory to General Kim Jong Il" of the symphonic suite "Long Journey for Songun Leadership," male bass solo "Korea, I Will Glorify Thee" and female soprano solo "Wellbeing of the Dear Leader Comrade Kim Jong Il Is Our Happiness."
    The performers sang of the undying feats of Kim Jong Il who has opened the heyday of prosperity in this land, glorifying the sacred annals of the Korean revolution as ever-victorious history with his great Songun leadership.
    "Arirang" and "Rich Harvest Comes to the Chongsan Plain," mixed orchestral pieces with strong national character, touched the heartstring of the audience for reflecting the socialist reality full of national sentiment, optimism and joy.
    The performers showed well the features of the efflorescing symphony of the DPRK by playing famous music of other countries.

Reception for Overseas Compatriots

     Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- A reception was given in honor of overseas compatriots at the People's Palace of Culture on Thursday on the occasion of leader Kim Jong Il's birthday. Present on invitation were overseas compatriots including members of the congratulatory group of Koreans in Japan, the congratulatory group of the General Association of Koreans in China, the congratulatory group of the Federation of Koreans in the U.S., the congratulatory group of the Federation of Koreans in Canada, the congratulatory group of the Society for Cooperation among Koreans in Germany, the congratulatory group of the Federation of Koreans in Australia, the delegation of officials of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon), the delegation of women officials of the new generation of Chongryon and the art troupes of Koreans in Japan, China and the U. S. celebrating February 16. Kim Jung Rin, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, in a speech expressed the conviction that overseas compatriots will make a tangible contribution to the building of a great prosperous powerful socialist nation true to the Songun leadership of Kim Jong Il, bearing deep in mind the great pride in holding him in high esteem as the father of the nation, conduct the three-point patriotic movement for independent reunification, peace against war and great national unity under the banner of the June 15 North-South joint declaration and positively contribute to the implementation of the cause of national reunification.
    Nam Sung U, vice-chairman of the Central Standing Committee of Chongryon who is heading the congratulatory group of Koreans in Japan, in a speech said that thanks to the special loving care of Kim Jong Il for the overseas compatriots they could imposingly glorify the proud annuals of patriotism even in an alien land.
    He also emphasized that they would make a tangible contribution to national reunification and the building of a great prosperous powerful nation, keeping step with the people in the homeland who are putting spurs to the general march of the Songun revolution with great ambition and confidence to make a higher and quicker leap. Artistes gave a performance at the reception.

Overseas Koreans Give Guest Performance to Celebrate Feb. 16

     Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- The art troupes of Koreans in China and the U.S. and a Korean artiste in Canada gave a performance for guests of honor at the Yun I Sang Concert Hall on Thursday in celebration of Feb. 16. The performance was appreciated by Choe Thae Bok, Choe Yong Rim and Ryu Mi Yong, chairperson of the C.C., the Korean Chondoist Chongu Party, and officials concerned and citizens.
    Among the audience were the congratulatory groups of the General Association of Koreans in China, the Federation of Koreans in the U.S., the Federation of Koreans in Canada and other overseas Koreans.
    The performance began with piano concerto "Snowstorm of Mt. Paektu". Put on the stage were colorful numbers including orchestra "The General of Korea", male solo "Fascination", mixed duet "Song of Holiday", cello concerto "Best Wishes", male solo "Ye Scops Owl" and mixed duet "We Had a Picture Taken". The performers successfully represented with their artistic talents the faith and will of the Korean people at home and overseas to hold leader Kim Jong Il, the destiny of the Korean nation and lodestar of national reunification, forever in high esteem and achieve the eternal prosperity of Juche Korea.

Russian Military Band Leaves

     Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- The central military band of the Defence Ministry of Russia wound up its 11-day visit to the DPRK and went back home today. During its stay the military band visited Mangyongdae and laid bouquets at the Revolutionary Martyr's Cemetery on Mt. Taesong and the Liberation Tower. It also visited the venue of the 10th Kimjongilia Festival, the Tower of the Juche Idea and the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum and other places.

Greetings to Gambian President

     Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Monday sent a message of greetings to Gambian President Yaya A. J. J. Jammeh on the occasion of the 41st anniversary of the independence of Gambia. Expressing the belief that the friendly relations between the two countries would favorably develop in the future,too, the message wished the president greater success in his responsible work for the stability and development of the country.

Kim Jong Il Enjoys Performance Given by State Symphony Orchestra

     Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- 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, enjoyed a performance given by the State Symphony Orchestra. The artistes of the symphony orchestra put on the stage colorful numbers such as the Fourth Movement "Glory to the General" of the symphonic suite "Long Journey for Songun", orchestras "Arirang" and "Rich Harvest Comes to the Chongsan Plain" and a symphony "First Movement of 'Leningrad' of Sostakovich's Symphony No. 7". The artistes sang high praises of the undying feats of Kim Jong Il and truthfully represented the unshakable faith and will of the army and people of the DPRK to accomplish the revolutionary cause of Juche and the cause of building a great prosperous powerful nation, single-mindedly following him.
    Kim Jong Il waved back to the cheering performers and audience and congratulated the artistes on their successful performance.
    He extended high appreciation and thanks for the success made by the creators and artistes of the State Symphony Orchestra in the performance, greatly satisfied with the best performance given by them with high artistry.
    He set forth highly important tasks which would serve as guidelines for further developing the Juche-based symphony, underscoring the need to make a beautiful and rich artistic representation of the noble spiritual world of the people as music is a humanics and thus fully meet the requirements of their cultural and emotional life. Among the audience were Kim Yong Chun, member of the NDC of the DPRK and chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army, Choe Thae Bok, Kim Kuk Thae and Kim Ki Nam, secretaries of the Central Committee of the WPK, leading officials of the Party and the army and officials in the field of culture and arts.

For Spanish-speaking people

Concierto de Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional por el 16 de febrero

    　Pyongyang, 17 de febrero (ATCC) -- Los artistas de la Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional ofrecieron el dia 16 en el capitalino Palacio Cultural del Pueblo el concierto dedicado al 16 de Febrero (cumpleanos del Dirigente Kim Jong Il). 　Lo presenciaron Pak Pong Ju, Ri Yong Mu, Yang Hyong Sop y otros cuadros. 　Fueron invitados los representantes diplomaticos de varios paises y los miembros del Cuerpo de Agregados Militares, acreditados en Corea, los miembros de la banda militar central del Ministerio de Defensa Nacional de la Federacion Rusa de visita en Corea y otros huespedes extranjeros.
    　Los ejecutantes pusieron en la escena "Gloria al General", cuarto movimiento de la suite sinfonica "Largisimo camino del Songun (priorizacion militar)", el bajo masculino la cancion maestra "Corea, te hare grande", el soprano "La buena salud del estimado Dirigente es nuestra felicidad" y otras piezas.
    　Elogiaron las inmortales hazanas del Dirigente quien con la gran direccion del Songun registra una historia de victorias en los anales sagrados de nuestra revolucion y abre una era de plena prosperidad sobre esta tierra.
    　Las musicas orquestales "Arirang" y "Abundante cosecha en la llanura Chongsan", que reflejan el sentimiento nacional y dan el optimismo y la pasion, conmovieron al publico. 　Ademas ellos interpretaron varias canciones famosas del mundo demostrando la fisonomia de la orquesta sinfonica coreana que se desarrolla cada dia mas.

Acto nacional de la Union de Ninos de Corea por el 16 de febrero

     Pyongyang, 17 de febrero (ATCC) -- Tuvo lugar el dia 16 en el Palacio de Deportes de Pyongyang el Acto Nacional de las Organizaciones de la Union de Ninos de Corea (UNC) en celebracion del dia de nacimiento (16 de febrero) del Dirigente Kim Jong Il. Participaron los representantes de organizaciones de la UNC de todas las provincias y los miembros de esta entidad en la ciudad de Pyongyang, asi como los ninos escolares a ser ingresados en la UNC.
    Fueron invitados Choe Thae Bok y Kim Jung Rin, secretarios del CC del Partido del Trabajo de Corea, Kim Yong Jin, ministro de Educacion, Ryang Man Gil, presidente del Comite Popular de la ciudad de Pyongyang, ex combatientes revolucionarios antijaponeses, funcionarios de sectores de educacion, prensa e informacion, funcionarios importantes del partido y directivos de la Union de la Juventud Socialista Kim Il Sung en la capital, veteranos de la pasada guerra coreana y hombres de meritos. En el acto iniciado con el coro de la "Cancion del General Kim Jong Il" fue recitada la poesia intitulada "Nuestra jubilosa fiesta".
    Acto seguido, tuvo lugar una ceremonia de ingreso en la UNC. Siguiendo la voz-guia del ex combatiente revolucionario antijapones, Kim Ryong Yon, los ninos escolares postulados prestaron un solemne juramento ante la bandera de la UNC.
    Los cuadros, ex combatientes revolucionarios antijaponeses, veteranos, funcionarios de la UJS y hombres de meritos les pusieron la panoleta roja y la insignia de la UNC a esos ninos que tuvieron el honor de ingresar en la organizacion en ocasion de la fiesta nacional mas jubilosa. Como el primer saludo de la UNC, los ingresados corearon muy alegres "!Siempre listos!" en respuesta a la energica consigna llamativa "!Preparemonos siempre para el querido General Kim Jong Il!".
    Seguidamente, accedieron al microfono para felicitarlos el ex-combatiente revolucionario antijapones Ri Jong San, el veterano Ri Sang Ju, el jefe de seccion de la Universidad Politecnica Kim Chaek el Dr. Jon Sung Guk, y la Deportista del Pueblo y Heroina del Trabajo Kye Sun Hui, quien recibio el "Premio Kim Il Sung".

Funcion del Conjunto Artistico del EPC por el 16 de febrero

    　Pyongyang, 17 de febrero (ATCC) -- El Conjunto Artistico del Ejercito Popular de Corea ofrecio el dia 16 en la Casa de los Militares del Ministerio de las Fuerzas Armadas Populares la funcion de canciones y bailes. 　Los ejecutantes mostraron la infinita veneracion y votos del ejercito y el pueblo de Corea al Dirigente Kim Jong Il mediante varias piezas, entre otras, la musica instrumental y cancion "Rendimos ramo de flores" y "Casa natal cubierta de copos de nieve". 　En el solo femenino de la cancion folclorica "Al seguir a el", la charla comica "Arirang por la prosperidad", el baile "La primavera del campamento secreto" y otras piezas, los ejecutantes describieron con gran emocion la fervorosa confianza del ejercito y el pueblo de Corea en el Dirigente.
    　La funcion bajo su telon con la musica instrumental y cancion "Sigamos con las fuerzas armadas a nuestro Comandante Supremo".
    　La vieron Jo Myong Rok, jefe de la Direccion Politica General del EPC, Kim Yong Chun, jefe del Estado Mayor General del EPC, Kim Il Chol, ministro de las Fuerzas Armadas Populares, cuadros directivos del MINFAP, oficiales y soldados del EPC.