Congratulations to Kim Jong Il
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il received a congratulatory message from First Vice-President of the Council of Ministers of Cuba Raul Castro Ruz on Feb.13 on the occasion of his birthday.
The message said:
Please accept my warmest congratulations sent to you on behalf of the Cuban government and the Communist Party of Cuba and the Cuban people on your birthday. It gives me great pleasure to most sincerely wish you success in your work to lead the heroic Korean people linked with the Cuban people by the ties of fraternal solidarity.
Availing myself of this opportunity, I express admiration at the Korean people's indomitable struggle to defend the sovereignty and reiterate our support to the just cause of achieving the reunification of the Korean nation.
Meetings Held to Celebrate February 16
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- A national meeting was held at the April 25 House of Culture here Thursday to celebrate February 16.
Among the participants of the meeting were senior Party, army and state officials.
Also present there were a congratulatory group of the Central Committee of the Anti-imperialist National Democratic Front, a congratulatory group of Koreans in Japan and other congratulatory groups, delegations and visiting groups of Koreans from various regions of the world and Koreans who came to the homeland to celebrate the February holiday.
Kim Yong Nam, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, conveyed a joint congratulatory message addressed to Kim Jong Il by the Central Committee and the Central Military Commission of the WPK, the DPRK National Defence Commission, the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly and the DPRK Cabinet.
Choe Thae Bok, alternate member of the Political Bureau and secretary of the WPK Central Committee, made a report.
The birth of Kim Jong Il as a bright star over Mt. Paektu was a great national event that promised a bright future in carving out the destiny of the Korean people and carrying out the revolutionary cause of Juche, he said, and continued:
Kim Jong Il, a politician of the great President Kim Il Sung type, shouldered upon himself the heavy responsibility of steering the Korean revolution, confidently carrying forward his idea and leadership, and as a result, the Korean people's cause of independence could adorn the victorious history of the Juche-oriented revolution for generations, courageously meeting all challenges of the present world and pulling through manifold difficulties.
In the whole period of his revolutionary activities Kim Jong Il set forth and successfully applied the most scientific and unique principles and methods guiding the revolution under the uplifted banner of the Juche idea, converting Kim Il Sung's Korea into a political and ideological power which demonstrates its dignity all over the world, a military power which no formidable enemy dares provoke and an invincible country that unswervingly carries forward the cause of independence and prosperity with the might of single-minded unity.
Kim Jong Il developed the traditional unity and cohesion of the revolutionary ranks in the DPRK into the more solid single-minded unity of the leader, the party, the army and the people based on the Songun idea as required by the grave situation where the Korean revolution was facing a crucial phase in which the Korean people had to stand in all-out confrontation with the imperialists on which hinged the destiny of socialism.
Under the outstanding leadership of Kim Jong Il the revolutionary cause of Juche has made a victorious advance and registered unprecedentedly great achievements, promising a bright future of a great prosperous and powerful socialist nation.
The DPRK's attainment of the status of a full-fledged nuclear weapons state successfully realized the long-cherished desire of the Korean nation to have matchless national power and made it possible for it to reliably defend the socialist homeland from the enemy's nuclear war threat and aggression and greatly contribute to ensuring peace and security in Northeast Asia.
The Songun politics, genuine patriotic one, pursued by Kim Jong Il brought about a landmark phase in carrying out the cause of national reunification and ushered in the historic June 15 era of reunification.
The reporter called upon all party members, the servicepersons of the KPA and people to devotedly safeguard the headquarters of the revolution politically and ideologically in the transparent spirit of devotedly defending the leader and become staunch fighters and genuine comrades in the Songun revolution who share ideas, intention and destiny with Kim Jong Il on the road of the arduous struggle to accomplish the revolutionary cause of Juche.
He underscored the need to firmly establish the trait of attaching importance to the military affairs throughout the society and develop the defence industry, improve the standard of people's living and rejuvenate the nation's overall economy.
He went on to say:
The situation still remains tense and acute on the Korean Peninsula due to the U.S. invariable hostile policy towards the DPRK.
The U.S. is going reckless in its moves to tarnish the authority and prestige of the DPRK and strangle it economically by mobilizing its allies including Japan. These moves of the U.S. are accompanied by its escalated appeasement, pressure and sanctions. The DPRK is, therefore, closely following these moves with a high degree of vigilance.
The servicepersons and people of the DPRK will never allow anyone to infringe upon the sovereignty and dignity of the DPRK even a bit but steadily increase the political and military potentials under the uplifted banner of the great Songun and thus win a final victory in the confrontation with the U.S. and imperialists and reliably defend the ideology, system and the cause of justice in the DPRK.
Similar meetings took place at units of the KPA three services and in provinces, cities and counties on the same day.
DPRK Watches U.S. Moves: Choe Thae Bok
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- We are sharply watching with heightened vigilance the moves of the United States which is resorting to hare-brained artifices to cry down the authority and dignity of the DPRK and stifle it economically even by setting in motion Japan and other followers while getting increasingly blatant in appeasement, pressure and sanction, declared Choe Thae Bok, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and secretary of the C.C. of the WPK.
He was delivering a report to a national meeting celebrating February 16 held in Pyongyang on Thursday.
A strained and acute situation is still persisting on the Korean Peninsula due to the invariable hostile policy of the U.S. against the DPRK, he said.
Inter-Korean Contact Made
Kaesong, February 15 (KCNA) -- A contact between delegates for the inter-Korean ministerial talks was made in Kaesong Thursday.
Present there were delegates of the north and south sides to the talks and their suite members.
The contact confirmed the will of both sides to develop the north-south relations in the basic spirit of the June 15 joint declaration and discussed the matter of breaking the stalemate in inter-Korean relations at the earliest possible date.
A joint press release was made public at the contact.
According to it, the north and the south agreed to hold the 20th North-South Ministerial Talks in Pyongyang from Feb. 27 to Mar. 2.
Holidays of DPRK to Be Commemorated in Belarus
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The Belorussian preparatory committee for commemorating the Day of the Sun and February 16 was inaugurated in Minsk on Feb. 9.
V. Chikin, chairman of the National Council of the Belorussian Movement for Justice, Democracy and Social Progress and chairman of the Belarus-DPRK National Friend Association Named after Kim Il Sung was elected chairman of the preparatory committee.
The preparatory committee decided to arrange colorful functions on the occasions of the significant Day of the Sun and the February holiday.
Functions Celebrating February 16 Held in Different Countries
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Meetings, lectures, film shows and opening ceremonies of book, photo and handicraft exhibitions were held in Egypt, Tanzania and Brazil on Feb. 6 on the occasion of the February holiday.
Exhibited at the venues of the events were famous works of President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, photos showing their undying feats and books and photos introducing achievements of the Korean people and handicrafts displaying the wisdom and talent of the Korean nation.
Korean films including "The Great Leader Comrade Kim Jong Il Gives On-the-spot Guidance to Work in Different Fields" and "The Brilliant History of the Great Leadership" were shown at the film shows.
The chairman of the Egypt-Korea Friendship Association at a meeting elaborated on the brief history of the revolutionary activities of Kim Jong Il. He said Kim Jong Il was leading the Korean people to victory with his tested leadership ability, matchless grit and warm love for the people and firmly defending national sovereignty with Songun politics.
The chief of the Group for the Study of the Juche Idea of the Dar-Es-Salaam Friendship Textile Mill of Tanzania in a lecture said the DPRK was displaying its dignity to the world and dynamically pushing forward the building of a great prosperous powerful socialist nation, full of confidence and optimism, thanks to the unique political philosophy and mode, rare organizational ability and persevering practical ability and extraordinary creative ability of Kim Jong Il.
The international secretary of the October 8 Revolutionary Movement of Brazil, addressing the opening ceremony of the book, photo and handicraft exhibition, said the DPRK owed its conversion into a powerful country to the Songun politics of Kim Jong Il. The just cause of the Korean people will surely end in victory under his leadership, he stressed.
Korean Nation's Future Is Rosy and Bright
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Korean nation under the leadership of the great sun of Songun has a rosy and bright future, said Jo Il Min, chief of the Pyongyang Mission of the Anti-Imperialist National Democratic Front, when interviewed by KCNA on Feb. 14 on the occasion of the birthday of Kim Jong Il.
The south Korean people, he stated, highly praise Kim Jong Il as a peerless patriot defending the sovereignty and dignity of the nation more precious than thousands of pieces of gold.
He went on:
The ardor to deeply study and grasp Songun politics is growing day by day in the south today.
The north is now firmly defending the sovereignty of the nation against the aggressive nuclear threat of the U.S. imperialists.
Loud voices are coming from the south Korean progressive figures and campaigners that it is not only the great auspicious event of the Korean nation but a world-historic event giving strength and courage to the oppressed peoples worldwide that Kim Jong Il punctured the arrogance of the U.S. imperialists with a powerful nuclear deterrent.
The key to ending the pains and misfortunes of division forced by outside forces and achieving the country's reunification, the long-cherished desire of the nation, is to support and follow Songun politics, true politics of patriotism and politics of unity.
The south Korean patriotic people vigorously struggling for the independent reunification of the country will positively support and defend the Songun politics with patriotism under the banner of "By our nation itself," cherishing the national pride and honor of having the great brilliant commander of Songun.
Art Groups of Ministries and National Institutions Give Performances
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Art groups of ministries and national institutions gave performances at the Ponghwa Art Theatre and the Central Workers' Hall on Wednesday in celebration of February 16.
The performances were appreciated by party and state senior officials, members of the Cabinet, officials of ministries and national institutions and working people in Pyongyang.
The curtain-raisers were the choruses "Celebrations" and "My Great Country" at the performances consisting of choruses highly praising the greatness of Kim Jong Il who has performed undying feats for the motherland and people, the era and the revolution and representing the resolution of government employees to effect a great innovation in building an economic power by fulfilling their duties as commanding personnel of the revolution at all units and in all fields.
On the most auspicious February holiday of the nation the performers extended deepest respect and best wishes to Kim Jong Il who, born as the son of the guerrillas, has led the Juche revolutionary cause started in the thick forest of Mt. Paektu along a road to brilliant victory and glory, and well showed their revolutionary faith and ardent enthusiasm to build a great prosperous powerful socialist nation in this land under the banner of Songun.
Fight for Repeal of NSL Urged
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- An "open hearing on the abuse of the National Security Law" was reportedly held in Seoul on Feb. 9 under the sponsorship of the People's Solidarity for Abolition of the "National Security Law" of south Korea.
Speakers there called upon all the people to turn out in the struggle for the abolition of the NSL, transcending differences in idea and political view.
They denounced the public security authorities for suppressing pro-reunification patriotic personages by cooking up "cases of violation of the security law" one after another.
A probe into the truth of the past history offers a chance to scathingly expose the injustice of the NSL and lay the axe to the bottom of the alleged reason of the existence of the evil law, they said, adding that truth behind the "cases of violation of the security law" in the past must brought into sharp focus.
Denouncing the conservative media for encouraging the public security authorities in faking up "cases of violation of the security law," they declared that they would determinedly stand against them.
Reception Hosted by Military Attaches Corps
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The military attaches crops here gave a reception at the Taedonggang Club for the Diplomatic Corps on Feb. 14 on the occasion of the birthday of Kim Jong Il.
Speeches were made at the reception.
Present on invitation were general officers and officers of the Korean People's Army.
Chinese Consul-general Hosts Reception
Chongjin, February 14 (KCNA) -- The consul-general of China in Chongjin gave a reception on Wednesday evening on the occasion of the birthday of Kim Jong Il and the New Year's Day.
Present on invitation were Hong Sok Hyong, chief secretary of the North Hamgyong Provincial Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, Pak Su Gil, chairman of the North Hamgyong Provincial People's Committee, and others.
Speeches were made there.
Film Show Given for Chinese Residents
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The Pyongyang City People's Committee arranged a film show for Chinese residents here Wednesday on the occasion of the birthday of Kim Jong Il.
Present on invitation there were the vice-chairman and officials of the Central Committee of the Association of Chinese Residents in Korea and other Chinese residents in Pyongyang.
The participants watched Korean documentary "The Great Leader Comrade Kim Jong Il Gives Field Guidance to the Work of Building the Mt. Paektu Area".
At the end of the film show a singing gathering of Chinese residents was held to celebrate the auspicious February holiday.
The performers impressively sang such songs praising the great man as "General on a Galloping White Horse," "Sunrise Moment" and "Glory to General Kim Jong Il."
Russian Musicians' Performance Goes on
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Russian musicians gave performances at the Moranbong Theatre on Feb. 13 and 14 in celebration of the February holiday in the wake of their premiere on Feb. 12.
Among the audience on Wednesday were Kim Pyong Hun, chairman of the Central Committee of the General Federation of the Unions of Literature and the Arts of Korea, Hong Son Ok, vice-chairperson of the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries and chairperson of the Korea-Russia Friendship Association, officials concerned and working people in Pyongyang. Minister-Councilor Alexander Matsegora and other staff members of the Russian embassy here were also among the audience.
The Russian musicians fully displayed their artistic talents at the presentation.
Korean artistes appeared as guest stars in the fourth movement "Glory to General Kim Jong Il" of the symphony suite "Long Journey for Songun Leadership," orchestra for piano solo and chorus "Nostalgia," famous masterpiece, orchestra "Rich Harvest Comes to the Chongsan Plain" and other numbers.
People's Artiste Leonid Nikolayev, professor at Moscow Tchaikovsky State Conservatory in Russia, conducted with enthusiasm and dynamism the orchestra to make a truthful ideological and thematic representation of the music pieces, deeply impressing the audience.
Their performances celebrating the February holiday were highly acclaimed by the audience.
Functions Held in Celebration of February Holiday
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- A meeting of workers and trade unionists was held Wednesday at the plaza of the Monument to Party Founding on the occasion of the birthday of Kim Jong Il.
Present at the meeting were Kim Jung Rin, secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee, and officials of the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea (GFTUK), and workers and trade unionists.
Ryom Sun Gil, chairman of the Central Committee of the GFTUK, made a report which was followed by speeches.
The reporter and speakers referred to the fact that Kim Jong Il has developed in depth the idea of attaching importance to the army propounded by President Kim Il Sung to meet the needs of the times and the developing revolution and firmly defended sovereignty of the country and the nation and socialism and opened a new history of building a great prosperous powerful nation, pursuant to the unique Songun politics.
During the difficult days of "the Arduous March," the forced march, Kim Jong Il aroused all the people including workers to bring about a great fresh surge, regarding the Kanggye spirit as the spirit of the times, they said, adding he lit the torch of Songgang, leading the workers to perform their mission and duty in building a great prosperous powerful socialist nation.
They stressed the need for all the workers and trade unionists to make great strides in the production and construction in hearty response to the militant tasks set forth by the joint New Year editorial and the appeal adopted at the meeting of frontrankers in the Songun revolution, perform feats in building a rich and powerful country and become heroes of the Songun era.
The young vanguard of the Ministry of People's Security held a meeting to vow to remain true to the Songun revolutionary leadership of Supreme Commander Kim Jong Il and a dancing party on Wednesday on the occasion of the February holiday.
Led by Paek Yong Il, first secretary of the organization of the youth league of the ministry, all the participants in the meeting made their solemn pledge to uphold Generalissimo Kim Il Sung in high esteem for all ages as the sun of Juche and accomplish the Juche revolutionary cause under the leadership of Kim Jong Il.
They declared that they would firmly protect the security of the socialist system and people's happiness and provide a sure legal guarantee for the building of an economic power with transparent revolutionary and class awareness.
Then followed a dancing party.
Meanwhile, a concert of school youth and children was held on the same day to celebrate February 16.
U.S. and S. Korean Air Battle Drills and Espionage under Fire
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- A total of at least 200 war planes of the U.S. imperialist aggression forces and over 600 military planes of the south Korean army were involved in the DPRK-targeted air battle exercises staged in the sky over areas of south Korea on Feb. 12 and 13, according to a military source.
Some formations of overseas-based F-117 and F-15 of the U.S. imperialist aggression forces were busy with the navigation and air battle drills in the air above the areas of South and North Chungchong provinces and South and North Jolla provinces and some other formations were hell bent on ground target striking and terrain familiarization exercises in the sky above the areas of Osan, Wonju and Thaebaek.
Formations of F-16 and A-10 belonging to the U.S. seventh air force were busy with air battle drills, the exercise of providing close air support and in-flight refueling drills in the sky above the areas of Hoengsong, Phyongchang, Ryechon and Kongju.
In the meantime, the trigger-happy elements of south Korea massively flew fighter bombers, assault planes and armed helicopters of different types such as F-16, F-15, F-5, 500-MD for madcap exercises for a surprise strike at the DPRK.
In another development, two U-2 and three RC-7B of the U.S. imperialist aggression forces made round-the-clock shuttle flights in the air over the areas of Tokjok Islet, Phochon, Rinje and Sokcho to commit observation, photographing and espionage against the depth and areas along the front of the DPRK side. Six RC-12 also made such flights in the sky over areas of Tokjok Islet-Phochon and Phochon- Sokcho for the similar purpose. An overseas-based EP-3 made a night flight to perpetrate electronic espionage against the Eastern and Western coasts of our side.
Keeping pace with these war moves, two or four RC-800 and RF-4C of the south Korean army made a long shuttle flight in the air over the areas of Paeka Islet, Phochon, Rinje and Sokcho everyday to spy on all areas of our side.
The above-said air battle exercises were nothing but reckless war games for a surprise concentrated strike at the DPRK.
Certificates of Honorary Titles to Three Generals of Mt. Paektu Conveyed
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- A ceremony of conveying the certificates of honorary titles, floral baskets, orders, silk banners and gifts awarded to President Kim Il Sung, anti-Japanese war hero Kim Jong Suk and Kim Jong Il, three generals of Mt. Paektu, was held at the Chollima House of Culture on Feb. 14 on the occasion of the February holiday.
Present there were delegations and delegates of international organizations and friendly and solidarity organizations in countries and regions on the five continents that are staying here to participate in the visit to the secret camp in Mt. Paektu to be paid on the occasion of the February holiday.
Floral baskets to Kim Jong Il in the name of the participants in the visit and organizations and individuals congratulating him on his birthday were conveyed to Vice-President of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly Yang Hyong Sop at the ceremony.
Also conveyed were certificates of honorary titles, orders, silk banners and gifts to the three generals of Mt. Paektu from international organizations and friendship and solidarity organizations, delegations and individuals from different regions and countries.
Negotiations for Conclusion of FTA Protested in S. Korea
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The Headquarters of the All-People Campaign for Checking south Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in south Korea staged an action against the seventh round of negotiations for the conclusion of FTA in Seoul on Feb. 12, according to press reports.
By the "government" order, the security authorities rushed at least 1,500 policemen to Jongmyo Park designated by the headquarters as the venue of the action against FTA, to completely seal it off and set up checkpoints around it. They prevented anyone suspected of participating in it from entering the place, creating a terror-ridden atmosphere.
Ri Won Jae, chief of the room for handling the situation of the headquarters, deplored that the action taken by the security authorities self-exposes the injustice of the conclusion of FTA.
In the meantime, a meeting took place at the Posin house in Jongro to vow to intensify the action.
It was addressed by O Jong Ryol, co-representative of the headquarters, Pak In Suk, executive chairperson of the Democratic Labor Party, Kim Hung Hyon, chairman of the National Federation of the Poor, and others. They called for checking the conclusion of the sycophantic and traitorous FTA without fail as it will call for total concession to the U.S.
At the end of the meeting, its participants staged a surprise protest demonstration, march and other actions against the conclusion of FTA in different parts of Seoul.
Their actions were followed by a candle-light rally in that evening at which the participants called for carrying on their struggle till the conclusion of FTA has been checked.
The headquarters declared that it would stage a collective sit-in struggle and various forms of information services and hold an oath-taking rally of workers, peasants and religionists and other actions in the whole period when the 7th round of the negotiations for the conclusion of FTA would be under way.
DPRK on the Eve of February Holiday
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The people of the DPRK are colorfully celebrating the auspicious birthday of the Songun brilliant commander of Mt. Paektu Kim Jong Il with a high pride of holding him in high esteem.
The national symposium on his undying Songun revolutionary leadership exploits, oath-taking meeting celebrating February 16 in the Secret Camp of Mt. Paektu, celebration meetings of working people's organizations and various political events are taking place in Pyongyang and local areas.
The functions are replete with the firm trust in Kim Jong Il who has wisely led the Songun revolution along the one road of victory, holding aloft the red banner of the revolution associated with the whole life of President Kim Il Sung.
In particular, the meeting of frontrunners of the Songun revolution demonstrated to the full the might of the single-minded unity and revolutionary will of Korea which is advancing toward the rosy future of the great, prosperous and powerful socialist country and deepened the people's reverence for him.
An increasing number of people are visiting the native home of Kim Jong Il in the Secret Camp of Mt. Paektu in February.
Art performance "Blue Sky over My Country", joint performance of the 35th National Art Festival of Agricultural Working People and others are being put on stage at different theaters.
Meanwhile, the 11th Kimjongilia Festival, the 16th Paektusan Cup International Figure-skating Festival, ten-day film show, and national fine art exhibition and other activities are going on. Art circle performances and sports and amusement games at all the units are elating the festive mood.
The workers of the Pyongyang Thermal Power Complex, Kangdong Area Coal Complex and other industrial establishments throughout the country are greeting the February holiday with great labor feats.
Streets, villages and public buildings are festooned with lanterns bearing the words of "February 16" and "Celebration", posters and large fluorescent picture boards.
Service persons are busy with preparing holiday specials.
Kim Yong Suk, vice-director of a department under the Pyongyang City Public Service Guidance Bureau, told KCNA that full preparations are being made so that the people may happily enjoy the holiday.
Letter to Kim Jong Il
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The delegations and delegates of international organizations and friendly and solidarity organizations of different countries and regions of the world paid visits to the secret camp in Mt. Paektu where they held a meeting before the old home of Kim Jong Il on his birthday and addressed a letter to him on Feb.15.
The visit to the secret camp in Mt. Paektu has been paid in accordance with the declaration solemnly made in Mt. Paektu five years ago, and it is a manifestation of the unanimous desire and will of the progressive humankind to hold Kim Jong Il in high esteem as the great sun of the 21st century and build a free, peaceful and prosperous, new world, the letter said, and went on:
The world community is admiring at your personality as a great man who has made enormous contributions to the Korean revolution and the human cause of independence with the rare ideo-theoretical wisdom and the distinguished leadership ability nobody can match.
It is the highest honor and great happiness of the world progressive people to have you as the great leader steering the human cause of independence to victory.
Thanks to your guidance, a bright future is being opened before the humankind and the 21st century will shine as a century in which the cause of global independence is successfully accomplished.
We will, in the future, too, take the lead in the honorable struggle to build an independent new world, a just and peaceful new world, holding you in high esteem as the sun of the 21st century and will fully support the Korean people in their efforts to build a great prosperous powerful nation and reunify Korea.
Greetings to President of Serbia
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, sent a message of greetings to Boris Tadzic, president of Serbia, on Feb. 15 on the occasion of its national day.
In the belief that the bilateral ties of friendship and cooperation would develop in the mutual interests, Kim in the message sincerely wished the president of Serbia greater success in his responsible work for the stability and prosperity of the country.
Congratulations to Kim Jong Il from Korean in China
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il received a floral basket from the family of So Sun Ok, an anti-Japanese revolutionary fighter in China, on the occasion of his birthday.
Meanwhile, he was presented with a floral basket by the family of Jie Qing, a Chinese related to the anti-Japanese revolutionary struggle, on the same occasion.
The floral basket was conveyed to an official concerned on Feb. 14 by Li Changlin, son of Jie Qing who is staying in the DPRK.
Congratulations to Kim Jong Il from Japanese
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il received a floral basket from Tokuji Yanagisawa, deputy chief director of the Japan-Korea Cultural Interchange Association, on the occasion of his birthday.
Written on the ribbon of the floral basket were letters reading "We sincerely wish the great leader H.E. Kim Jong Il good health".
Exhibition Synchronized Swimming Presented to Celebrate February Holiday
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- An exhibition synchronized swimming was presented at the swimming pool of the Changgwang Health Complex on Feb.15 in celebration of February 16.
The performers presented graceful rhythms in the pool to the tune of the song "May the Leader Remain Young along with Spring in February."
They represented the people's boundless reverence for Kim Jong Il in their numbers requiring high skills performed to the tune of songs "His whole Life", "Snow Storm on Mt. Paektu" and "Ye, Bright Moon over My Country."
They presented such dynamic and graceful refined movements as change of various formations, repeated jumping up to the surface of the water with the help of others and group surfacing, turning like a spin and pyramid building, deeply impressing the spectators.
Through their attractive rhythms presented to the tune of songs "Let's Uphold Our General," "Oh, My Homeland of Songun" and "Rosy Is Our Future" the performers successfully represented the unshakable faith and will of all the servicepersons and people to usher in a great heyday of Songun Korea full of conviction of victory.
Among the spectators were Choe Yong Rim, Kim Jung Rin..
Foreign guests were present there on invitation.
Kim Yong Nam Meets Foreigners
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, met and had a friendly conversation with Vishwanath, secretary general of the "International Kim Il Sung Prize" Council, Alva Chavez, member of the council, Kenichi Ogami, director-general of the International Institute of the Juche Idea, Takao Kamakura, adviser of the National Liaison Council of the Japan Society for Study of Kim Jong Il's Works, and E. Maksim, executive chairman of the Mongolian Mt. Paektu Association for Independent Development, at the Mansudae Assembly Hall Thursday.
New Hall of Revolutionary Museum Opens
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The Hall "Supreme Commander and Comrades-in-Arms" in the Revolutionary Museum of the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces was opened to visitors on the occasion of the February holiday.
The hall arranged in a unique manner in terms of style and contents clearly reflect the sense of revolutionary obligation of the peerlessly great men shining in the history of the cause of Juche-oriented army building which started and has won victory after victory with comradeship.
At least 530 exhibits are on display in the hall. They comprehensively deal with the great commanding art of President Kim Il Sung and General Kim Jong Il who built the matchless revolutionary armed forces, which have triumphed thanks to the perfect unity, always sharing weal and woe with the soldiers in the whole period of the protracted Songun revolution, and the noble bonds of kinship between the generals of Mt. Paektu and revolutionary comrades-in-arms.
An opening ceremony of the hall was held on Thursday.
General of the Korean People's Army Pak Jae Gyong in his inaugural speech said that it is a great honor and pride for the servicepersons of the KPA to inaugurate the hall on the occasion of the significant February holiday, adding that the hall is the epitome of the glorious history of the Korean revolutionary armed forces, the history of the Songun revolution.
He called upon all the servicepersons to deeply grasp the great revolutionary comradeship of the peerlessly great persons shining with the history of the development of the revolutionary armed forces and creditably fulfill the honorable mission and duty as the army of the leader, the army of the Party.
Int'l Figure-Skating Festival Opens
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The 16th International Figure-Skating Festival for Paektusan Cup was opened in Pyongyang on the occasion of the birthday of Kim Jong Il.
An opening ceremony took place at the Ice Rink Thursday.
Present there were Choe Thae Bok, Choe Yong Rim and Kim Jung Rin, Kwak Pom Gi, vice-premier of the Cabinet, Kim Yong Dae, chairman of the Central Committee of the Korean Social Democratic Party, Mun Jae Dok, chairman of the Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission, Pang Chol Gap, chairman of the Pyongyang City People's Committee, and others.
Also present there were a congratulatory group of Koreans in Japan led by Ri Ki Sok, vice-chairman of the Central Standing Committee of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, and other congratulatory groups, delegations and visiting groups of overseas Koreans.
Mun Jae Dok in an opening address expressed the belief that the current festival would prove a great success thanks to the positive activities of Korean sportspersons and foreign close friends, before declaring the festival open.
Skaters participating in the festival were introduced to be followed by a group presentation by DPRK figure skaters.
In diverse numbers the skaters made truthful sports and artistic representation of the noble ideological and moral world of the servicepersons and people of the DPRK advancing under the wise guidance of Kim Jong Il and their ardent patriotism and optimistic life.
The opening ceremony was followed by the first-day exhibition presentation.
The festival continues.
"International Kim Il Sung Prize" Awarded to Kim Jong Il
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- A ceremony of conveying "International Kim Il Sung Prize" presented by the "International Kim Il Sung Prize" Council to Kim Jong Il was held at the Mansudae Assembly Hall Thursday on the occasion of his birthday.
Present there were Vishwanath, secretary general of the "International Kim Il Sung Prize" Council, Alva Chavez, member of the council, Kenichi Ogami, director-general of the International Institute of the Juche Idea, Takao Kamakura, adviser of the National Liaison Council of the Japan Society for Study of Kim Jong Il's Works, and E. Maksim, executive chairman of the Mongolian Mt. Paektu Association for Independent Development.
Vishwanath said at the ceremony that the "International Kim Il Sung Prize" is the most authoritative and dignified prize not only in the history of the institution of international prizes but in the world political history as it goes by the august name of President Kim Il Sung.
He said that the council decided to confer the prize upon Kim Jong Il representing the ardent desire of the world's progressive people.
A resolution of the council was read out at the ceremony.
A certificate of the prize, medal and souvenir presented to Kim Jong Il were conveyed to Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, by Vishwanath.
Then followed congratulatory speeches.
Congratulatory Letter to Kim Jong Il
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il was presented with a congratulatory letter on Thursday by the members of congratulatory groups, delegations and visiting groups of overseas Koreans staying in the homeland on the occasion of the auspicious February holiday.
Your birth as a bright star over Mt. Paektu was the greatest event as it promised the happiness and prosperity of the Korean nation for all ages and a historic event that assured it of the completion of the Juche cause and the eternal future of the socialist homeland, the letter said, and continued:
You have instilled pride of being members of Kim Il Sung's nation into the hearts of all of us overseas Koreans living in far-off alien lands and led us to steadfastly follow the road of patriotism with warm care.
The letter evinced the determination of the overseas Koreans to remain intensely loyal to Kim Jong Il and keep following the patriotic road for the reunification of the country and its prosperity although they are away from the homeland.
DPRK Delegation to Six-Party Talks Returns Home
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The DPRK delegation led by Kim Kye Gwan, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, to the six-party talks held in Beijing from Feb. 8 to 13 flew back Thursday.
It was greeted at the airport by Kim Hyong Jun, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, Valery Sukhinin, Russian ambassador to the DPRK, and Guan Huabing, minister-councilor of the Chinese embassy here.
Foreign Figure Skaters Here
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Figure skaters of China, Russia, Ukraine, Hungary, Spain, France and the U.S. arrived here Thursday to participate in the 16th International Figure-Skating Festival for Paektusan Cup to be held on the occasion of the February holiday.
Seminar of Korean Social Scientists in Japan Held
Tokyo, February 13 (KNS-KCNA) -- A seminar of Korean social scientists in Japan was held at the Korean Press Hall in Tokyo on Feb. 10 to celebrate February 16.
Speeches were made there on the subjects of "On idea and leadership of respected General Kim Jong Il who ushered in a new era of building an economic power", "Songun policy of respected General Kim Jong Il serves as a treasured sword for independence against the U.S. and imperialism as it showed a new horizon in the struggle for global independence" and "On dynamically conducting the movement of Koreans in Japan to suit the new circumstances of the work in hearty response to the highly important teachings given by respected General Kim Jong Il".
Speakers praised Kim Jong Il for having brought a bright dawn of building a great prosperous powerful nation with his outstanding Songun revolutionary leadership and thereby performing feats of epochal significance on behalf of the country and the nation.
They stressed the need for the Korean social scientists in Japan to deeply grasp the content of Kim Jong Il's plan for building a rich and powerful country and its prospect and the greatness and vitality of the Songun policy theoretically and in practice. They called upon all the officials of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) and Koreans in Japan to greet the historic 21st Congress of Chongryon as one of unity and victors full of fresh confidence.
For Spanish-speaking people
Conceden objetos honorificos a tres Generales del monte Paektu
Pyongyang, 15 de febrero (ATCC) -- Tuvo lugar la vispera en la capitalina Casa Cultural Chollima la ceremonia de entrega de certificados de titulo honorario, cestos de flores, ordenes, banderas de felicitacion y presentes, que se conceden a los tres Generales del monte Paektu: el Presidente Kim Il Sung, el Dirigente Kim Jong Il y la heroina de lucha antijaponesa Kim Jong Suk, en ocasion de la fiesta (dia 16) de febrero.
@En la ocasion estuvieron presentes las delegaciones y delegados de las organizaciones internacionales y las entidades de amistad y solidaridad de los paises y regiones de los 5 continentes del mundo, que tomaran parte en la visita al Campamento Secreto en el monte Paektu organizada con motivo de esa efemeride (cumpleanos del Dirigente).
@Ante todo, fueron trasladados al vicepresidente del Presidium de la Asamblea Popular Suprema de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea, Yang Hyong Sop, los cestos de flores dedicados al Dirigente: uno a nombre de los participantes en la visita referida y los otros a nombre de las entidades y personalidades de varios paises.
@Acto seguido, fueron transferidos los certificados de titulo honorario, ordenes, banderas de felicitacion y presentes dirigidos a los tres Generales del monte Paektu por parte de varias organizaciones internacionales y las entidades de amistad y solidaridad de diferentes regiones y paises y sus delegaciones asi como personalidades extranjeras.
Comite preparatorio de Belarus para efemerides coreanas
Pyongyang, 15 de febrero (ATCC) -- Quedo constituido el dia 9 en Minsk el Comite Preparatorio de Belarus para el Dia del Sol (el 15 de abril, cumpleanos del Presidente Kim Il Sung) y el 16 de febrero (cumpleanos del Dirigente Kim Jong Il).
Como presidente de esta entidad fue electo V. Chikin, titular de la Asociacion Nacional de Amigos Belarus-RPDC Kim Il Sung y del Consejo Nacional del Movimiento Belaruso por la Justicia, Democracia y Progreso Social.
El comite naciente decidio organizar variadas actividades con motivo de esas efemerides coreanas.
Actos festivos por el 16 de febrero
Pyongyang, 15 de febrero (ATCC) -- Con motivo del cumpleanos (16 de febrero) del Dirigente Kim Jong Il, tuvo lugar el dia 14 en la explanada del Monumento a la Fundacion del Partido el mitin festivo de obreros y gremiales de la Federacion General de los Sindicatos de Corea.
Asistieron al acto el secretario del Comite Central del Partido del Trabajo de Corea, Kim Jung Rin, los funcionarios de la FGSC, obreros y gremiales.
El presidente del Comite Central de la FGSC, Ryom Sun Gil, presento el informe de la ocasiony varias personas hicieron uso de la palabra.
Los oradores se refirieron a que el Dirigente profundizo la idea del Presidente Kim Il Sung de dar importancia a las fuerzas armadas conforme a la demanda de la epoca y la revolucion en desarrollo, defendio con firmeza la soberania del pais y la nacion y el socialismo practicando la original politica de Songun y abrio una nueva historia de construccion de una gran potencia prospera.
En los tiempos dificiles de la "marcha penosa" y la forzada, el Dirigente llamo a los obreros y los habitantes de todo el pais a registrar un nuevo auge tomando el espiritu de Kanggye por el de la epoca y encendio la antorcha de Songgang para que los trabajadores cumplieran con su mision y deber en la construccion de una gran potencia prospera socialista, destacaron.
Con la firme decision de cumplir las tareas combativas presentadas en el editorial conjunto de este ano y en el llamamiento aprobado en el Congreso de Precursores de la Revolucion del Songun, los obreros y gremiales deben registrar con el coraje redoblado y gran impetu un gran ascenso en la produccion y la construccion y convertirse en ameritados y heroes de la epoca del Songun en la labor para edificar una patria prospera, concluyeron.
En tanto, tuvieron lugar el mismo dia el acto de juramentacion y baile de los jovenes vanguardias del Ministerio de Seguridad del Pueblo.
Siguiendo la voz-guia de Paek Yong Il, primer secretario del Comite de la Union de la Juventud en esa dependencia, todos los participantes juraron enaltecer de siglo en siglo al Generalisimo Kim Il Sung como el Sol del Juche y apoyar con fidelidad la orientacion del Comandante Supremo Kim Jong Il sobre la revolucion mediante el Songun para completar hasta el fin la causa revolucionaria del Juche.
Aseguraron que defenderan con la firme conciencia revolucionaria y la clasista la seguridad del regimen socialista y la felicidad del pueblo y garantizar en lo juridico la construccion de una potencia economica.
Acto seguido, se escenifico el baile festivo de los uniformados jovenes.
Este dia, los jovenes y ninos escolares ofrecieron un concierto por la misma fiesta.
Funcion conjunta de empleados publicos por el 16 de febrero
Pyongyang, 15 de febrero (ATCC) -- Tuvo lugar el dia 14 en el Teatro de Arte Ponghwa y la Casa Central de los Obreros la funcion conjunta de grupos artisticos de los ministerios y organos centrales en homenaje al 16 de febrero (cumpleanos del Dirigente Kim Jong Il).
La disfrutaron los cuadros del partido y el Estado, miembros del Consejo de Ministros, funcionarios de ministerios y organos centrales y trabajadores capitalinos.
En esas escenas iniciadas con las canciones en coro "Festejamos" y "Mi pais grandioso" se presentaron los coros que elogian altamente las nobles personalidades del Dirigente Kim Jong Il quien acumulo imborrables hazanas ante la patria y el pueblo, la epoca y la revolucion y que exteriorizan la decision de los empleados publicos de registrar un gran auge en la construccion de una potencia economica al cumplir en respectivos sectores y unidades con el deber de directivos de la revolucion.
A traves de la funcion, los ejecutantes rindieron el maximo tributo y felicitacion al Dirigente quien nacido como hijo de la guerrilla, conduce al camino de brillante victoria y gloria la causa revolucionaria del Juche iniciada en la selva del Paektu, y demostraron bien su conviccion revolucionaria y gran entusiasmo por edificar sobre la tierra patria una gran potencia prospera socialista bajo la bandera del Songun (priorizacion militar).