Kim Yong Nam Meets Foreign Guests
Pyongyang, June 20 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, met and had a friendly talk with Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Philippines Alberto Gatmaitan Romulo who paid a courtesy call on him and his party at the Mansudae Assembly Hall Wednesday.
The Philippine foreign secretary underscored the need to boost the ties between Philippines and the DPRK in various fields and develop the bilateral relations.
On the same day Kim Yong Nam met and had a friendly talk with the government delegation of South Africa led by M.A. Stofile, minister of Sports and Recreation.
The head of the delegation noted that African countries including South Africa felt very grateful to the DPRK for the sincere assistance given to them in the past.
He expressed hope that the friendly ties between the two countries would grow stronger through exchange and cooperation in the field of sports and Korea would be reunified.
Important Day of DPRK Observed in Different Countries
Pyongyang, June 20 (KCNA) --A Korean book and photo exhibition and film show were held in Laos and Singapore and film shows in Indonesia and Malaysia from June 12 to 14 on the occasion of the 43rd anniversary of Kim Jong Il's start of work at the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea.
Displayed in the venues of the functions were famous works of Kim Jong Il and photos showing his undying Songun revolutionary leadership feats.
The participants of the film shows watched Korean films including "Korean People's Army, Steel-Like Ranks" and "To Hold President Kim Il Sung in Higher Esteem."
Speeches were made there.
Anniversary of June 15 Joint Declaration Observed
Pyongyang, June 20 (KCNA) -- A "ceremony and cultural function to mark the 7th anniversary of the publication of the June 15 joint declaration" reportedly took place in Seoul on June 15 under the sponsorship of the South Side Committee for Implementing the June 15 Joint Declaration.
Speakers at the ceremony asserted that it is necessary to deeply implant among the people the main spirit of the joint declaration and the confidence that they should achieve the peaceful reunification of the country under the banner of the joint declaration despite whatever difficulties and obstacles.
They underscored the need to conduct positive activities for instituting the "day commemorating the anniversary of the June 15 joint declaration."
There took place colorful cultural functions including a table-tennis game and an exhibition of photos on the north to mark the day.
Anniversary of Kim Jong Il's Start of Work at C.C., WPK Celebrated
Pyongyang, June 20 (KCNA) -- Functions were held on Tuesday to celebrate the 43rd anniversary of Kim Jong Il's start of work at the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea.
A song and dance performance took place at the Ponghwa Art Theatre.
It was appreciated by senior officials of the Party, army and state, officials of working people's organizations, ministries and national institutions, servicepersons of the Korean People's Army, labor innovators and working people here.
Artistes of the Mansudae Art Troupe raised the curtain with a female vocal solo and chorus "Song Devoted to Comrade Kim Jong Il".
Their repertoire included colorful numbers such as chorus "General on a Galloping White Horse", female instrumental ensemble "Attraction", men's chorus "Mt. Paektu, Cradle of Revolution", dance "Azalea in the Motherland."
The performers sang high praises of the undying revolutionary exploits Kim Jong Il has performed by leading the WPK with his great ideas and theories and outstanding political caliber for decades since his start of work at the Central Committee of the Party and thereby steadily advancing the revolutionary cause of Juche along the road of victory and glory.
Meanwhile, a performance was given by members of the art group of the Mangyongdae Schoolchildren's Palace.
The performers put on the stage numbers depicting the unanimous feelings of the schoolchildren across the country who trust and follow Kim Jong Il only, regarding the WPK which has defended and glorified socialism, the cradle for the younger generation, as his care.
On the same day dancing parties of youth and students took place across the country.
They presented pleasant dances at the plazas of the Tower of the Juche Idea, the Monument to Party Founding, the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium and other places of the city.
Similar dancing parties took place in each province, city and county.
Philippine FM Feted
Pyongyang, June 20 (KCNA) -- The government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea hosted a reception for the visiting Philippine secretary of Foreign Affairs and his entourage at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Tuesday.
Present there on invitation were Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto Gatmaitan Romulo and his entourage and Philippine Ambassador to the DPRK Sonia Cataumber Brady.
Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun noted in a speech at the reception that the Philippine government has expressed solidarity with the Korean people in the efforts to achieve the reunification of the country according to the historic June 15 joint declaration.
The DPRK government, which regards independence, peace and friendship as the idea of its external policy, will strive to develop the good-neighborly and friendly relations with the Republic of Philippines in various fields in the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, noninterference in the internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit in the future, too, he stressed.
Alberto Gatmaitan Romulo said in a speech that the bilateral ties have been steadily strengthened in various fields after the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Philippines pay attention to developing the bilateral relations through cultural exchange and mutual visits, he stated.
Referring to the possibility for developing these relations, he said that they are taking measures to this end.
Struggle against U.S. and Conservatives Urged
Pyongyang, June 20 (KCNA) -- Youth and student organizations in south Korea reportedly issued statements last Friday, the 7th anniversary of the publication of the June 15 joint declaration.
The Youth and Students Solidarity for Implementing the June 15 South-North Joint Declaration said in its statement that any desperate attempt of the anti-reunification forces at home and abroad can never turn back the trend of the times towards national reunification.
The youth and students in this land will invigorate the struggle against the U.S. and war and for withdrawal of the U.S. forces and the struggle against the conservatives including the Grand National Party of south Korea under the uplifted banner of the joint declaration and take the lead in the march towards the independent reunification of the nation, it stressed.
The National Council of Woman Student Representatives in its statement stressed the need to reunify Korea on the strength of "By our nation itself" and solve all the problems independently.
In particular, the progressive forces should win in the forthcoming "presidential elections", the statement said, calling upon the entire nation to accelerate the implementation of the joint declaration in close unity.
Abe Termed Liar
Pyongyang, June 20 (KCNA) -- The Japanese prime minister, when interviewed by U.S. magazine News Week recently, talked nonsense that the upgrading of the Defence Agency to the ministry was a proof of "mature democracy" in Japan and self-confidence of "civilian control".
Minju Joson today in a signed commentary observes in this regard: Even a mere child knows that the upgrading of the Defence Agency to the ministry has nothing to do with democracy.
Citing facts to prove that the above-said action of the Japanese reactionaries is directly connected with their moves to realize their wild militaristic ambition for overseas expansion, the commentary continues:
Nevertheless, the Japanese prime minister is vocal about "democracy" and "civilian control". This is as ridiculous as insisting that a crow can be whiter for often washing.
It is not without reason that the Japanese politicians are busy talking nonsense in a bid to falsify hard facts. The Japanese reactionaries are tightening their alliance with the U.S. and rapidly pushing forward its militaristic policy for overseas expansion, availing itself of the latter's Asia strategy. This is arousing considerable caution among Asian countries, doing a serious harm to Japan's image.
Precisely for this reason they are resorting to all sorts of clumsy tricks to justify their blatant and unreasonable military actions even a bit.
No matter what rhetoric Japan may use to conceal its evil intention it can never cover up its true colors as a war servant and a shaggy dog serving the U.S. It would be well advised to drop its bad habit of making sheer lies aimed at insisting on the far-fetched assertions.
Japanese Reactionaries' Scheme to Militarize Space Flailed
Pyongyang, June 20 (KCNA) -- The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan is mulling referring a basic bill on space to the Diet, saying that information provided by high performance spy satellites and other means "shall exclusively be used for defence." The Abe forces are planning to present this bill to the Diet during its extraordinary session due in September as the term of the present Diet is drawing to an end.
Commenting on this, Rodong Sinmun Wednesday says:
By passing the above-said bill the Abe forces seek to secure a legal framework whereby to use space for their military purpose and justify it as a state policy.
Their assertion that the information gathered by high performance spy satellites and other means shall be exclusively used for a defence purpose only, while contemplating the enactment of the basic law on space, is nothing but a cynical ploy to cover up their black-hearted intention to round off the preparations for overseas aggression while intensifying their espionage against the DPRK and other countries through space spy satellites.
It is beyond doubt that the Abe forces' attempt at militarizing the space would adversely affect the situations on the Korean Peninsula and other parts of Asia which have already got strained due to Japan's despicable moves to tamper with history and expand territory.
Japan's moves to adopt the above-said law and legalize the militarization of the space would only lead it to international isolation and destruction. The Abe forces had better stop the criminal attempt to militarize the space, clearly mindful of this.
Anniversary of Kim Jong Il's Work Observed
Pyongyang, June 20 (KCNA) -- Rodong Sinmun today dedicates an article to the 10th anniversary of the publication of Kim Jong Il's famous work "On Preserving the Juche Character and National Character of the Revolution and Construction".
Preserving Juche character and national character at present is an important matter decisive of the destiny and the future of the development of each country and nation, the article says, and goes on:
If any country and nation fail to maintain the firm Juche-oriented viewpoint in settling their issues, they will allow their destinies to be trifled with by big powers.
Only when a nation or a country has a steadfast stand to settle matters related to its sovereignty and dignity its own way as intended by its people in conformity with its actual conditions, taking full responsibility for them, can it stand dignified, demonstrating the self-respect and honor as a sovereign and independent state even under the present complicated situation.
Unity and cooperation based on independence and mutual respect should be achieved on the premise that each country maintains its independence. Only then can this kind of cooperation prove to be genuine one that can serve its people and can be helpful to promoting global independence.
Basing itself on a correct view on the advantages of its nation, each country should firmly preserve and actively project them and fully embody what is Juche-oriented and national in all fabrics of state and social life including politics, economy and culture. This is the short cut to bolstering the national power and achieving the national prosperity.
The reality of the DPRK proves that the Songun politics serves as politics perfectly ensuring national independence and a treasured sword for achieving national prosperity.
It provides a firm guarantee for achieving the prosperity of the country and the nation its own way with its own view and faith.
What is important for preserving the Juche character and national character is to build a rich and powerful country its own way on the basis of its independent faith and view.
The Songun politics calls for regarding the work to bolster armed forces as the most principled one related to protecting the supreme interests of the state and the fundamental interests of the revolution and giving priority to military affairs as the most important state ones.
In the DPRK where the Songun politics originated, the army has grown to be an invincible army and an independent and modern defence industry has been built, the whole country has turned into an impregnable fortress which no formidable enemy can ever invade thanks to the implementation of the policy for putting all people under arms and fortifying the whole country.
It is also thanks to the strong military power and invincible strategy and tactics, both results of the Songun politics, that the Workers' Party of Korea has held aloft the banner of independence even under the present complicated and tense situation and successfully carried on the revolution and construction its own way in line with the actual conditions of the country and the interests of the Korean revolution, guided by its own idea and faith.
The great history is like a precious treasure as it implants among the servicepersons and the people the pride and self-confidence that their leader and their country, their ideology and system are best and encourages them to turn out in the struggle to exalt the dignity and honor of the nation.
The Songun revolutionary history of the WPK, which was pioneered by President Kim Il Sung and has been successfully carried forward by Kim Jong Il, is the greatest treasure of the nation and the bottom line of the Korean nation-first spirit.
Socialism of Juche is the fruition of the historic struggle waged by the people of the DPRK to create and develop their own and a cradle for the Korean nation to enjoy its life and happiness for generations. A dignified and worthwhile life and a rosy future of the Korean nation are fully guaranteed as invincible Korean-style socialism stands unfettered by any political disturbances and economic difficulties.
DPRK, South Africa Cooperate in Sports and Recreation
Pyongyang, June 20 (KCNA) -- A memorandum of understanding on mutual cooperation in physical sports and recreation between the governments of the DPRK and South Africa was signed here Wednesday.
Present at the signing ceremony from the DPRK side were Mun Jae Dok, chairman of the Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission, and officials concerned and from the South African side were members of the visiting government delegation led by M.A. Stofile, minister of Sports and Recreation.
The MOU was inked by Mun Jae Dok and M.A. Stofile.
Castles on Mountains of Koguryo
Pyongyang, June 20 (KCNA) -- Koguryo (277 B.C.-668 A.D.) in the Korean history existed as a powerful nation in the Orient for 1,000 years as it turned the whole country into an impregnable fortress with such strong defence facilities as castles on mountains.
There were more than 1,000 castles in Koguryo, most of which were mountain walls. So, it was called a "country of mountain castles."
It is well proved by the fact that sites of over 350 castles have been discovered in different parts of the country.
Having a lot of high and steep mountains, Koguryo attached importance to mountain castles to suit its topographical conditions.
The mountain castles were divided into three kinds according to the topographical conditions--the mountain walls linking steep and high mountain peaks, ones built on flat mountain ridges and ones built between plain and mountainous areas.
As the high and steep mountain walls were built along mountain ridges and cliffs, they were favorable for defence, and vice-versa for the attack. Such mountain castles, with rich water resources, could accommodate many people for a protracted war and the enemy could not watch the inside of the castles. Typical of them is the mountain walls on Mt. Taesong in Pyongyang.
The mountain castle has watchtowers, lofts on its corners, a secret gateway to surprise the enemy forces, fortified walls near wall gates, battlements, fortresses and others.
Millions of enemy forces were impotent to attack the densely built mountain castles of Koguryo.
The castle relics of Koguryo tell about the ardent patriotism displayed by its courageous people in the battles for defending the country along with their prominent wisdom and talent.
Children's Talent Brought into Bloom under Socialist Educational System
Pyongyang, June 20 (KCNA) -- Many schoolchildren with gifted talents are growing in schoolchildren's palaces and children's halls in the DPRK.
Among them is fourth-year student of Pothonggang Middle School No. 1 Kim Mi Hyang, a member of the fine art circle of the Mangyongdae Schoolchildren's Palace.
She presented the Korean painting "Holiday Morning" to the Shankar International Children's Contest held in India in December Juche 95 (2006) and won a gold medal and diploma.
She truthfully portrayed a pretty girl in jogori (coat) with multi-colored sleeves preparing a bouquet with flowers to be laid before the statue of President Kim Il Sung on the morning of the Day of the Sun. The painting reflects well the intensive and implicit drawing method through traditional lining and delicate drawing technique peculiar to the Korean painting.
The Korean painting was carried on the front cover of the Shankar Collection of Children's Paintings.
Earlier, her five other fine art works including "Arirang Storm" and "Welcoming the First Full Moon" won prizes at the Asian Children's Fine Art Festival held in Japan and awarded diplomas at the Khabarovsk International Children's Fine Art Exhibition in Russia and other fine art festivals.
Kim Mi Hyang told KCNA with confidence that she would strive harder to become a famous artist in future.
Gift to Kim Jong Il from Russian Art Troupe
Pyongyang, June 20 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il received a gift from the Russian State Academic People's Chorus Named after M.E. Pyatnichki on a visit to the DPRK.
The gift was conveyed to an official concerned by Aleksandra Permyakova, head and manager of the chorus.
Gift to Kim Jong Il from South African Government
Pyongyang, June 20 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il received a gift from the South African government.
The gift was conveyed to Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, on Wednesday by M.A. Stofile, minister of Sports and Recreation who is leading the visiting South African government delegation.
For Spanish-speaking people
Rodong Sinmun revela el intento de Japon de militarizar el cosmos
Pyongyang, 20 de junio (ATCC) -- En los ultimos dias, el Partido Democratico Liberal de Japon trata de presentar a la dieta un "proyecto de ley principal sobre el cosmos" insistiendo en que "seran usadas solo en fines defensivos" las informaciones escogidas por el satelite espia de alta capacidad y otros aparatos.
Dado que esta en la etapa final la legislatura de la dieta actual, la banda de Abe planea proponerlo en el periodo de la dieta provisional previsto para septiembre.
Esto deviene una maniobra para preparar un marco juridico destinado a usar el espacio cosmico en fines militares y legalizarlo como una politica estatal.
Asi senala el periodico Rodong Sinmun en un comentario individual de este miercoles y continua:
El argumento de ese pais isleno de limitar el uso de las informaciones recogidas por el satelite espia y otros medios a los objetivos meramente defensivos no pasa de ser una artimana para encubrir su siniestro intento de formar en el universo una red de espionaje satelital contra la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea y otros paises y completar sus preparativos para agredir a ultramar.
Es indudable que tal intento de las fuerzas de Abe dara graves influencias sobre la situacion de la Peninsula Coreana y el resto de Asia, que ya es bastante tensa por las descaradas maniobras de los reaccionarios japoneses encaminadas a tergiversar la historia y expandir su territorio.
Abe y sus fuerzas deben parar ahora mismo sus criminales maniobras de militarizacion cosmica al tener presente que ellas llevaran a su pais al aislamiento en la arena internacional y la destruccion.
Minju Joson tilda de mentiroso a Abe
Pyongyang, 20 de junio (ATCC) -- En una reciente entrevista con la revista norteamericana "Newsweek", el premier japones dijo que el ascenso del rango de la Agencia de Defensa al de ministerio muestra la "madurez de la democracia" en su pais y la seguridad del "control civil".
Al comentarlo, el rotativo Minju Joson adelanta que todo el mundo se dara cuenta facilmente de que la conversion de esa entidad en el ministerio no tiene nada que ver con la democracia.
Al contrario, esa jugada esta vinculada directamente con la intencion de los reaccionarios japoneses de ejecutar su ambicion de expansion militarista a ultramar, revela el comentarista y prosigue:
Sin embargo, en su intento de poner lo negro por lo blanco, el primer japones habla absurdamente de la "democracia" y el "control civil".
Los politiqueros japoneses mienten hasta de los hechos irrefutables para justificar sus aventureras e injustas acciones militares.
Es que se encuentran bajo la aguda vigilancia de los paises asiaticos y estan desprestigiados entre estos porque en adhesion a la estrategia de EE.UU. sobre Asia, intensifica la alianza con este y acelera su politica de expansion militarista a ultramar.
Por mucho que el pais-isla trate de encubrir su sucia intencion, nunca podra ocultar su naturaleza de lacayo al servicio de la politica belicista de EE.UU.
Ante todo, Japon debe dejar su vicio de mentir lo que resulta irrefutable e incuestionable.
Festividades para el 19 de junio
Pyongyang, 20 de junio (ATCC) -- Tuvieron lugar la vispera las festividades en ocasion de que se cumplen 43 anos desde que el Dirigente Kim Jong Il comenzo a trabajar el 19 de junio de 1964 en el Comite Central del Partido del Trabajo de Corea.
En el Teatro de Arte Ponghwa hubo una funcion de cantos y bailes, ofrecida por el Conjunto Artistico Mansudae.
La presenciaron los cuadros del partido, el ejercito y el Estado, funcionarios de las organizaciones de masas, ministerios y organos centrales, oficiales y soldados del Ejercito Popular de Corea, innovadores laborales y otros trabajadores capitalinos.
En la escena de este dia, iniciada con el solo femenino y coro "Himno al camarada Kim Jong Il", se presentaron variados programas como coro "El General corre a caballo blanco", la musica instrumental femenina "Encanto", el coro masculino "El monte Paektu es la cuna de la revolucion" y la danza "Azalea de la patria".
Los ejecutantes elogiaron altamente las inmortales hazanas revolucionarias del Dirigente quien durante varios decenios desde que comenzo su trabajo en el CC del PTC, dirigio a esta agrupacion politica con sus grandiosas ideas y teorias y su extraordinaria capacidad politica y condujo a la victoria y gloria la causa revolucionaria del Juche.
Mientras tanto, se realizo la misma actividad de los miembros del grupo artistico del Palacio de Ninos y Escolares de Mangyongdae.
Mediante su funcion, los ejecutantes tradujeron la unanime voluntad de los ninos escolares de todo el pais que confian y siguen solo al Dirigente considerando el PTC como regazo de el que defiende y glorifica el socialismo, cuna de la vida de las futuras generaciones.
El mismo dia, los jovenes y estudiantes de esta capital, las provincias, las ciudades y los distritos de todo el pais se dieron cita en los bailes de festejo.
La juventud capitalina bailo alegremente en varios lugares habilitados para esta actividad como las explanadas frente al Monumento a la Idea Juche, al Monumento a la Fundacion del Partido y al Palacio de Deportes de Pyongyang.
Banquete en honor del canciller filipino
Pyongyang, 20 de junio (ATCC) -- El gobierno de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea ofrecio la vispera en el capitalino Palacio de los Congresos Mansudae un banquete en honor del canciller de la Republica de Filipinas y su comitiva de visita en Corea.
Estuvieron invitados el secretario filipino de RR.EE., Alberto Gatmaitan Romulo, y su comitiva, y la embajadora extraordinaria y plenipotenciaria de esta nacion en Corea, Sonia Cataumber Brady.
Al pronunciar un discurso en esta ocasion, el canciller coreano Pak Ui Chun menciono que el gobierno filipino expresa solidaridad con la lucha del pueblo coreano por lograr la reunificacion del pais segun la historica Declaracion Conjunta Norte-Sur del 15 de Junio.
En lo adelante tambien, el gobierno de la RPDC, que toma por el ideal de su politica exterior la independencia, la paz y la amistad, hara ingentes esfuerzos por ampliar y desarrollar en varias esferas las relaciones de buena vecindad y amistad con la RF en el principio de respeto mutuo de la soberania, la no intervencion en asuntos internos, la igualdad y beneficio mutuo, subrayo.
Le siguio en usar la palabra el canciller filipino quien resalto que despues del establecimiento de las relaciones diplomaticas entre ambos paises, los lazos bilaterales se fortalecieron continuamente en varios sectores.
Filipinas esta interesada en desarrollar las relaciones bilaterales a traves del intercambio cultural y viaje reciproco, acoto el visitante.
Al referirse a las posibilidades de desarrollar las relaciones entre los dos paises, afirmo que ellos toman medidas pertinentes para este fin.