Kim Jong Il Inspects KPA Unit
Pyongyang, December 1 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il inspected KPA Unit 1159.
After learning about the unit's performance of duty, he watched its servicepersons in training.
He praised the great enthusiasm for training prevailing in the unit, expressing satisfaction over the fact that all servicepersons of the unit have grown up to be a match-for-a hundred stalwart fighters.
The shining success achieved by the unit in the past is the result of the strenuous efforts made by it to thoroughly implement its training program, he said, setting forth important tasks which would serve as guidelines for intensifying the combat training, a basic guarantee for increasing the combat capability.
Going round a political lecture room, an educational room and other entertainment and educational facilities, he said that it is good for the unit to conduct the revolutionary education, the working class education by a unique and diverse method. He underscored the need to more dynamically conduct the political and ideological education to prepare all servicepersons as soldiers strong in idea and faith who are intensely loyal to the Party and the revolution.
Walking around a bedroom, a mess hall, a wash-cum-bath house, a daily provision store and other places, he appreciated the efforts made by the commanding officers, highly praising them for having provided the soldiers with good living conditions by minutely organizing the preparations for wintering and supply service work.
He told the commanding officers to treasure and love the soldiers as their real brothers and sisters and take warm care of their living with parental love as these soldiers are precious revolutionary comrades and revolutionary comrades-in-arms who are rendering worthwhile service for the sake of the Party and the revolution, for the country and the people in their youth.
Making the round of the compound of the barracks kept neat and tidy and feasting his eyes on the thick woodland in the nearby mountains, he highly appreciated the noble patriotism displayed by the servicepersons of the unit, expressing great satisfaction over the fact that they have planted a lot of trees in those mountains and tended them with good care, creating a thick woodland, prompted by the single desire to turn the country into a land of bliss.
He had a photo session with the servicepersons of the unit.
He also looked round a power station of KPA Unit 169 honored with the title of O Jung Hup-led Seventh Regiment.
Praising the unit for having built the power station on its own, he underlined the need to keep the production of electricity on a normal footing in order to realize the electrification at the unit on a high level.
Roh Moo Hyun Meets Kim Yang Gon
Pyongyang, December 1 (KCNA) -- Roh Moo Hyun, President of south Korea, met Kim Yang Gon, department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, on a visit to Seoul at Chongwadae on Nov. 30.
Present there from the south side were Minister of Unification Ri Jae Jong, Director of the National Intelligence Service Kim Man Bok and Chief for Unification, Diplomatic and Security Policies of Chongwadae Paek Jong Chon.
Kim Yang Gon conveyed the regards from General Secretary Kim Jong Il to the president.
The president expressed deep thanks for this and asked Kim Yang Gon to convey his sincere greetings to Kim Jong Il, chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK.
Views were exchanged to implement the October 4 north-south declaration.
Kim Yang Gon and His Party Back from Seoul
Pyongyang, December 1 (KCNA) -- Kim Yang Gon, department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, and his party returned here Saturday after visiting Seoul.
9th Inter-Korean Red Cross Talks Held
Mt. Kumgang Resort, December 1 (KCNA) -- The 9th north-south Red Cross talks took place at Mt. Kumgang resort from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1.
Present at the talks were members of the north side delegation headed by Choe Song Ik, vice-chairman of the Central Committee of the Red Cross Society of the DPRK, and members of the south side delegation with Jang Sok Jun, secretary general of the south Korean Red Cross, as chief delegate.
At the talks both sides agreed on a series of issues including the matters of expanding the direct reunion of separated families and their relatives, realizing video correspondence and getting representatives of both sides permanently stationed at the offices of the Kumgangsan reunion centre and solving the issue of those reported missing during and after the war with a view to positively promoting the Red Cross humanitarian cooperation between the north and the south according to "the Declaration for the Development of the North-South Relations and Peace and Prosperity" and the agreement reached at the first round of the inter-Korean premier-level talks.
It was agreed to hold the 10th inter-Korean Red Cross talks at Mt. Kumgang resort after the inauguration of the reunion centre.
National Meeting of Intellectuals Closes
Pyongyang, December 1 (KCNA) -- The national meeting of intellectuals closed on Dec. 1 after successfully wrapping up its work.
More speeches were made at the meeting.
The speakers referred to the fact that Kim Jong Il developed in depth the Juche-based idea and theory on the issue of intellectuals and has energetically led them to perform their pacemaker's role in the struggle to defend the country, the revolution and socialism and triumphantly advance the Songun revolutionary cause.
They said that the intellectuals have remained true to the Songun revolutionary cause with fixed faith and pure conscience and high caliber in happy or difficult days, keeping deep in their minds the profound political trust and fatherly love of Kim Jong Il who trusted and put forward them as permanent companions, faithful helpers and good advisers of the WPK and ardent champions and thorough implementers of its policies.
They renewed their determination to resolutely uphold and implement the Party's idea and line of the Songun revolution, dynamically press ahead with the information industrial revolution and bring into bloom the Songun revolutionary culture as befitting intellectuals of Songun Korea.
Greetings to President of United Arab Emirates
Pyongyang, December 1 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, sent a message of greetings to Sheikh Halifa Bin Zayed Al−Nahayan, President of the United Arab Emirates, on Dec. 1 on the occasion of its national day.
Expressing the belief that the relations of friendship and cooperation between the DPRK and the UAE which have entered a new stage of development would grow stronger in the interests of the two peoples, Kim, in the message, wished its people greater progress and well-being.
Congratulations to PM of Australia
Pyongyang, December 2 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Il, premier of the DPRK Cabinet, sent a congratulatory message to Kevin Rudd on his election as Prime Minister of Australia.
Wishing the prime minister great success in his responsible work, Kim in the message expressed expectation and belief that the relations between the two countries would develop on good terms.
Congratulations to Jordanian Prime Minister
Pyongyang, December 2 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Il, premier of the DPRK Cabinet, sent a congratulatory message to Nader Dahabi on his appointment as Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Expressing the belief that the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries would develop in mutual interests, the message wished the prime minister success in his work for the development of the country and the people's wellbeing.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun sent a congratulatory message to Salah Din Bashir on his appointment as foreign minister of Jordan.
Kim Yong Nam Greets Lao President
Pyongyang, December 1 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, sent a message of greetings to Choummaly Saynasone, President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, on Dec. 1 on the occasion of its 32nd founding anniversary.
Kim Yong Nam, in the message, noted that today the Lao government and people have registered great success in the defence of the country and economic construction under the correct leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.
The message hoped that the Lao people would register greater success in their efforts to achieve the prosperity and development of the country by implementing the decisions made at the 8th Congress of the Lao party.
It expressed the belief that the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries would continue to grow stronger in the interests of the two peoples in the future, too.
Gift to Kim Jong Il from Peruvian Figure
Pyongyang, December 2 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il received a gift from a Peruvian figure on the occasion of the 16th anniversary of his assumption of the supreme commandership of the Korean People's Army.
The gift was conveyed to the DPRK ambassador to Peru on Nov. 22 by Estuardo Martinez Perez, president of the Peruvian National Independent Movement for Free Voting's Union who is vice-president of the General Kim Jong Il Peruvian Amicable Institute.
DPRK, China Cooperate in Sports
Beijing, December 1 (KCNA) -- A protocol of exchange in sports for 2008 between the DPRK and China was inked in Beijing on November 28.
Present on the occasion from the DPRK side were members of the delegation of the Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission led by Chairman Mun Jae Dok and DPRK Ambassador to China Choe Jin Su, and from the opposite side were the minister of the Chinese General Administration of Sports, and other officials concerned.
The protocol was signed by the chairman and the minister.
Medicinal Wines Win Popularity
Pyongyang, December 1 (KCNA) -- Chonghyolju, Pohyolju and Chagasul, which are medicinal wines, attracted interest of the visitors at the recent third Pyongyang Autumn International Trade Fair for their positive medicinal efficacy.
The Korean people have taken the wines from long ago.
Chonghyolju, made from gingko leaves, has a long history.
It is a medicinal wine Koguryo (277 B.C.-A.D. 668) people manufactured with a special processing method. Since then, it has been widely known to neighboring countries.
Its long application (150-200ml every day) improves the cardiovascular system and softens the face and body skin.
Pohyolju is also a famous medicinal wine of Korea.
People of Koryo (918-1392) made Joksamju from a kind of sage plant and fruit of Crataegus pinnatifida. Then they called the sage plant pohyol (haematic) herb and thus named it Pohyolju or Tansamsul.
Chagasul is made from the medicinal ingredient of a kind of a precious mushroom and Bergenia pacifica growing in northern highland of Korea.
The long application of Chonghyolju, Pohyolju and Chagasul with a peculiar taste and aroma improves the blood circulation and is potent for the prevention and treatment of diabetes, various kinds of cancers and diseases of the vascular system.
The demand for them is ever increasing in foreign markets, too.
Demo against FTA Staged in S. Korea
Pyongyang, December 2 (KCNA) -- Members of the Headquarters of the All-People Movement for Checking the Conclusion of the south Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement reportedly staged a surprise demonstration in Seoul on Nov. 28 in protest against the opening of the exhibition related to the conclusion of the south Korea-U.S. FTA.
They gathered in front of the building at which the exhibition was to be opened and chanted such slogans as "The exhibition for the FTA without approval of the National Assembly is of deception!" and "No to the south Korea-U.S. FTA!" holding the placards representing their stand.
Then, they went on a sit-in strike.
Actions against Corruption and Conservatism Called for in S. Korea
Pyongyang, December 1 (KCNA) -- The Solidarity for Implementing the South-North Joint Declaration reportedly released an appeal on Nov. 26 calling on the people to turn out in the actions to put an end to irregularities and corruption and liquidate the Cold War-minded conservative forces.
The appeal accused Ri Hoe Chang ill-famed for all sorts of irregularities and corruption and sycophantic acts of running for "presidency" in a bid to bring back the departed soul of the war and confrontational forces to this land.
The reality clearly shows once again that the struggle for social reforms cannot make even a single advance unless such Cold War-minded conservative forces as Ri are completely eliminated, the appeal noted.
It called on the people from all walks of life to join the students in their sit-in struggle as one to put an end to irregularities and corruption and liquidate the Cold War-minded conservative forces.
Underscoring the need to make the campaign on the second "day of all-people action" due to be staged on Dec. 1 a success and thus intensify the struggle against corruption and conservatism, the appeal called for completely eliminating the above-said forces in the "presidential elections" by the concerted efforts.
Colorful Functions Held
Pyongyang, December 1 (KCNA) -- A film show was held in Russia, round-table talks took place in the Czech Republic and a lecture and a photo exhibition in Italy from Nov. 8 to 21 on the occasion of the 16th anniversary of Kim Jong Il's assumption of office as supreme commander of the Korean People's Army.
After watching Korean film "The Great Leader Steering the Building of a Great Prosperous Powerful Nation to Victory", A.R. Morozov, manager of the "Proiko" General Company of Russia, said that it was a historic event of great significance in strengthening the KPA as invincible armed forces that the DPRK held Kim Jong Il in high esteem as supreme commander of the KPA.
Jarmila Smidova, chairwoman of the Nymburk County Committee of the Communist Party of Czech and Moravia, noted at the round-table talks that today the DPRK has turned into a military power capable of decisively beating back any invasion of the imperialists and is standing firm against the U.S. styling itself "the only super power" thanks to the Songun politics of Kim Jong Il.
Constanzi Franco, secretary general of the Italian Committee for the Study of the Juche idea, noted at the lecture that the reunification of Korea is sure to be achieved thanks to Kim Jong Il.
For Spanish-speaking people
IX ronda de conversaciones de la Cruz Roja Norte-Sur
Monte Kumgang, 1 de diciembre (ATCC) -- Tuvo lugar del 28 de noviembre al primero de diciembre en este pintoresco monte la IX ronda de conversaciones de la cruz roja Norte-Sur de Corea.
En la ocasion participaron los miembros de la delegacion de la parte Norte encabezada por Choe Song Ik, vicepresidente del CC de la Asociacion de la Cruz Roja de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea, y los de la delegacion de la parte Sur con Jang Sok Jun, secretario general de la Sociedad de la Cruz Roja del Sur de Corea como delegado-jefe.
Ambas partes acordaron una serie de problemas para impulsar las labores de cooperacion humanitaria de la cruz roja entre el Norte y el Sur segun la "Declaracion para el Desarrollo de las Relaciones Norte-Sur, la Paz y la Prosperidad" y el acuerdo de la primera reunion entre los primeros ministros de ambas partes.
En particular, discutieron el problema de ampliar el encuentro directo entre los familiares y parientes separados e intercambiar la correspondencia en imagenes, el asunto sobre la permanencia en la Oficina de delegados de ambas partes en la Casa de Encuentro del monte Kumgang y el de los hombres desconocidos si estan vivos o muertos en el periodo de la guerra y luego.
Acordaron sostener en dicho monte la proxima ronda despues de la inauguracion de la Casa de Encuentro.
Kim Yong Nam envia mensaje al presidente de Laos
Pyongyang, 1 de diciembre (ATCC) -- El presidente del Presidium de la Asamblea Popular Suprema de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea, Kim Yong Nam, envio este sabado un mensaje de felicitacion al presidente de la Republica Democratica Popular Lao, Choummaly Saynasone, en ocasion del 32o aniversario de la fundacion de este pais.
El remitente senala que hoy dia, el gobierno y el pueblo de Laos bajo la sabia direccion del Partido Popular Revolucionario Lao logran grandes exitos en la defensa de la patria y la construccion economica y le desea al pueblo lao mayores exitos en los esfuerzos por lograr la prosperidad y el desarrollo del pais mediante la materializacion de la resolucion del VIII Congreso del partido.
Expresa la conviccion de que las tradicionales relaciones de amistad y cooperacion entre los dos paises seguiran consolidandose y desarrollandose tambien en el futuro conforme a los intereses mutuos de los dos pueblos.
Clausurada Conferencia Nacional de Intelectuales
Pyongyang, 1 de diciembre (ATCC) -- Quedo clausurada este sabado la Conferencia Nacional de Intelectuales tras concluir con exito sus trabajos.
En el conclave continuaron intervenciones.
Los oradores se refirieron a que al profundizar la idea y las teorias jucheanas en materia del problema de intelectuales, el Dirigente Kim Jong Il condujo con energia a los intelectuales para que desempenaran el papel de precursores en la lucha por defender la patria, la revolucion y el socialismo y por llevar adelante la causa de la revolucion del Songun (priorizacion militar).
Los oradores recordaron que los intelectuales apoyaron fielmente la causa de la revolucion del Songun con firme conviccion, conciencia y abundantes conocimientos tanto en los dias felices como en los severos, guardando en el corazon la gran confianza politica y el amor paternal del Dirigente, quien les considera como eternos acompanantes, fieles ayudantes y excelentes aconsejadores del partido y como ardientes defensores y estrictos cumplidores de la politica del partido.
Y expresaron sus decisiones de defender con firmeza y materializar cabalmente la idea y las lineas de la revolucion del Songun del partido, impulsar la revolucion en la industria de informatica y poner de pleno manifiesto la cultura revolucionaria del Songun siendo intelectuales de Corea del Songun.
Espionajes aereos de EE.UU. y Sur de Corea contra la RPDC
Pyongyang, 1 de diciembre (ATCC) -- Segun fuentes castrenses, los belicistas estadounidenses y el ejercito surcoreano perpetraron en noviembre actos de espionaje aereo contra la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea, movilizando para este fin los aviones de reconocimiento estrategico y tactico de distintas misiones.
Llegan a mas de 110 los actos de espionaje de las tropas agresoras yanquis, y a mas de 70 los del ejercito surcoreano.
Los dias 29 y 30 un avion norteamericano "U-2" con su base en el Sur de Corea se ocupo de la filmacion aerea y el reconocimiento electronico sobre toda la extension de la RPDC. El numero de casos de espionaje aereo por este avion en noviembre llega a 26.
Los dias 23 y 29, 3 aviones "RC-12" realizaron de dia a noche vuelos de ida y vuelta sobre el espacio aereo de la zona de la Linea de Demarcacion Militar. Un "RC-7B" puso diariamente en accion para cumplir la observacion y filmacion aerea sobre la parte central y la zona avanzada del Norte de Corea.
Los dias 19 y 20 un avion de mando "E-3" se traslado de una base ultramarina al espacio aereo de la region surcoreana para dirigir las aviaciones incorporados en el ejercicio belico y realizar acciones de espionaje aereo contra la RPDC.
Recrudecen actos de espionaje aereo de los belicistas surcoreanos.
El dia 22, 4 aviones "RC-800", despegados en distintas horas se ocuparon de la observacion y la filmacion aerea sobre la RPDC. El numero de actos de espionaje por aviones de este tipo llega a mas de 50.
Ademas, el avion "RF-4C" realizo diariamente vuelos del Este al Oeste por el espacio aereo de la primera linea del frente con el fin de realizar la observacion, la filmacion y el reconocimiento electronico sobre la parte Norte.