New York Philharmonic Leaves
Pyongyang, February 27 (KCNA) -- The New York Philharmonic left here today.
While staying here the Philharmonic watched a performance given by members of the art group of the Mangyongdae Schoolchildren's Palace and some of its members had a joint recital together with musicians of the State Symphony Orchestra of the DPRK.
Meanwhile, foreign guests who had come here in connection with the Philharmonic's performance visited the Grand People's Study House, Pyongyang Metro and other places.
Kim Yong Nam Meets Mongolian Ambassador
Pyongyang, February 27 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, met and had a talk with Mongolian Ambassador to the DPRK Janchivdorjyn Lomvo who paid a farewell call on him at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Wednesday.
On hand were Kim Yong Il, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, officials concerned and staff members of the Mongolian embassy here.
DPRK Order Awarded to Mongolian Ambassador to DPRK
Pyongyang, February 27 (KCNA) -- The Friendship Order First Class of the DPRK was awarded to Janchivdorjyn Lomvo, Mongolian ambassador to the DPRK, for his contribution to the development of friendly and cooperative relations between the DPRK and Mongolia.
An awarding ceremony took place at the Mansudae Assembly Hall Wednesday.
Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, conferred the order upon the ambassador.
On hand were Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Yong Il, officials concerned and staff members of the Mongolian embassy here.
New Joint Venture Company Starts Operation
Pyongyang, February 27 (KCNA) -- The Pyongyang Yaming Joint Venture Lighting Company started its operation under an agreement on joint venture between the Pyongyang Lighting Appliances Factory and the Shanghai Yaming Electric Lamp Co., Ltd. of China.
The company will produce compact lamps, high-tension natrium lamps and metal halogen lamps.
A commissioning ceremony was held at the factory on Wednesday.
Present there were O Su Yong, minister of Electronics Industry, officials concerned, Zhang Linjian, managing director of the Shanghai YiDian Holding (Group) Company, Liu Jingwei, general manager of the Shanghai Yaming Electric Lamp Co., Ltd., Liu Xiaoming, Chinese ambassador to the DPRK, and others.
A report was delivered there to be followed by speeches.
Exhibition of Craft Relics Open
Pyongyang, February 27 (KCNA) -- An exhibition of craft relics opened at the Korean Central History Museum on February 12. It will close on March 15.
On display are more than 80 pieces of arts and crafts of the Ri Dynasty including porcelain, metal, wood and cattle's horn craft products well illustrating exquisite decorative methods rich in national color.
Among them there are relics of high historical and craft artistic value such as "white porcelain brush vase with a reticular pattern of dragons", "white porcelain jar with four handles", "gold plated large wine cup" and "embroidery of pine tree and cranes" and crafts of cattle's horn of peculiar style including "horn box with a picture pattern", "horn knife", "horn spool" and "horn brush".
The Korean nation created many cultural treasures in science, technology, culture and other sectors in the period of the Ri Dynasty including Hunminjongum (Korean alphabet) and a rain gauge.
They cover a wide range of variety. Among them there are porcelain, wood, metal, mother-of-curl, lacquer, ornamental and straw crafts.
The porcelain famous in the period of the Koryo period was celadon and in the period of the Ri Dynasty was white porcelain. The developed craft art of the latter period had a significant effect on the development of the porcelain art in neighboring countries.
The craft relics are preserved in their original state under the policy of the Workers' Party of Korea for taking good care of the cultural heritage of the nation. They implant great national pride in the mind of the working people and the younger generation.
National Day of Bulgaria Marked
Pyongyang, February 27 (KCNA) -- A film show was held at the Taedonggang Club for the Diplomatic Corps Wednesday on the occasion of the national day of the Republic of Bulgaria under the sponsorship of the DPRK-Bulgaria Friendship Association.
Present there on invitation were Yordan Pamukov, charge d' affaires ad interim of Bulgaria here.
On hand were Ryu Sung Rim, vice-chairman of the association, officials concerned and working people in Pyongyang.
The participants watched the Bulgarian film "Incident in Street."
Japan's Dangerous Moves for Militarization Assailed
Pyongyang, February 27 (KCNA) -- The world peace-loving people including the Asian people should keep close watch on the Japanese reactionaries' moves for militarization and intensify the struggle to check and frustrate the moves.
Rodong Sinmun Wednesday stresses this in a signed article.
It goes on:
It is the legal and moral obligation before the times and history for Japan to liquidate its crime-woven past.
Nevertheless, the Japanese militarist forces are foolishly working to realize the old dream of the "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere," persistently denying and distorting their past crimes.
The Japanese reactionaries have become ever more undisguised in their moves to justify the overseas military actions of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) through the exercise of the "right to collective self-defense."
Recently they decided to set up an organization aiming at examining a "permanent law" which allows the dispatch of the SDF overseas any time, the project which had been pushed forward since long ago. Some time ago, Japan enacted the new "law on special measures against terrorism" despite strong opposition at home and abroad, thus legalizing the resumption of the refueling mission of the Maritime Self-Defense Force in the Indian Ocean.
It is beyond any doubt that the Japanese reactionaries will press forward the moves to enact a "permanent law" in real earnest in a bid to legalize the constant dispatch of SDF overseas as the new "Anti-terrorism Law" is now in force.
It is the invariable intention of the Japanese reactionaries to turn the SDF into regular forces and allow the exercise of the "right to collective self-defense" and thus legalize the military actions of these aggressor forces overseas. They are working hard to rewrite the existing law in a bid to let the SDF advance into any region of the world, unhindered, and mount preemptive attacks on other countries in the future.
Pursuant to the above-said scenario for overseas invasion, they are zealously pushing forward their moves to build missile shields while frantically stepping up their moves for turning Japan into a military power.
They regard the DPRK as the primary target of their offensive aimed at achieving their goal of overseas invasion. They are accelerating the arms buildup and the moves for converting Japan into a military power under the pretext of "threat" from the DPRK and watching for a chance to launch a war for staging a comeback to Korea.
It is important for ensuring peace and security of not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in the rest of Asia and the world to decisively frustrate their moves for militarization.
Rodong Sinmun Calls for National Unity
Pyongyang, February 27 (KCNA) -- The great unity of the Korean nation serves as an unchangeable engine in the present struggle for independent reunification and peace and prosperity.
Rodong Sinmun today says this in a signed article.
The issue of Korea's reunification is not the issue of putting an end to any contradiction among Koreans and removing the difference in the systems but the issue of rejoining the blood ties of the nation severed by foreign forces and achieving the national unity, the article says, and goes on:
Achieving the national unity provides a sure guarantee for attaining independent reunification.
The cause of national reunification is a nationwide cause of independence which can be achieved only by the concerted efforts of the Koreans. The might of the driving force depends on the might of unity. It is possible to successfully achieve the reunification only when all Korean people firmly unite as one as a driving force for national reunification and strengthen it in every way.
The motive power capable of ushering in a new morning of independent reunification represents the wisdom, will and might of the Korean nation united as one.
It is thanks to the banner of national unity that the Korean nation's movement for national reunification has made a victorious advance despite all challenges of history.
The reality of the June 15 era of reunification which has advanced under the banner of "By our nation itself" clearly proves that no force can ever match the might of the united Korean nation and it serves as an engine for accomplishing the cause of independent reunification.
It is the unshakable faith of all Koreans that there is nothing impossible and it is quite possible to achieve independent reunification when they join hands and pool efforts, concludes the article.
S. Korean Organizations Launch Sit-in Strike against FTA
Pyongyang, February 27 (KCNA) -- Members of political parties including the Democratic Labour Party and those of civic and public organizations including the National Federation of Peasants Associations of south Korea reportedly held a press conference in front of the building of the "National Assembly" on Feb. 20 in protest against the moves to pass the motion calling for the ratification of south Korea-U.S. FTA through the NA before launching a sit-in strike.
The speakers at the press conference called for staging a sit-in strike to check the moves for the passage of the motion through the NA in order to defend the interests and the right to existence of the people, saying that people can survive only when the conclusion of the FTA is checked.
At the end of the press conference the members of the political parties and civic and public organizations staged one-man demonstration.
Then they launched a sit-in strike.
Heyday of Progressive Movement Called for in S. Korea
Pyongyang, February 27 (KCNA) -- The Solidarity for Implementing the South-North Joint Declaration reportedly held a "2008 regular deputies' meeting" in Seoul on Feb. 17.
Speakers at the meeting called on the people from all walks of life to wage more dynamic actions against the U.S. and war and for the withdrawal of the U.S. forces this year which marks the 60th anniversary of the popular uprising on Jeju Island.
They declared that the solidarity would make positive efforts to realize the progressive policy as required by the June 15 era of reunification and open a new epochal phase of independent reunification.
A special resolution read out at the meeting stressed that the solidarity would strike roots deep among the masses and intensify the work to build up a driving force for reunification and thus bring about a heyday of the progressive movement.
Repeal of NSL Demanded in S. Korea
Pyongyang, February 27 (KCNA) -- The Youth and Students Solidarity for Implementing the June 15 Joint Declaration of south Korea in a statement on Feb. 20 reportedly called for an immediate stop to the suppression of progressive forces and the abolition of the "National Security Law" (NSL).
Accusing the security authorities of arresting Song Hyon A, chairperson for information service of the solidarity, on the charge of violating the NSL, the statement termed this an anti-reunification and fascist action as it totally negates the June 15 joint declaration and the October 4 declaration.
The security authorities' suppression of progressive forces on charges of violation of the NSL has become evermore undisguised recently, the statement said, adding that this is because the authorities have grown fearful of the present reality in which the progressive forces are ushering in the new era of independent reunification in close unity.
The security authorities had better immediately set free those in custody and abolish the evil law though belatedly, bearing deep in mind that they will never be able to evade the responsibility for the suppression of progressive forces.
Kim Jong Il's Birthday Celebrated
Pyongyang, February 27 (KCNA) -- A meeting to adopt a congratulatory message to General Secretary Kim Jong Il and a film show took place in Russia, a meeting in Pakistan, round-table talks, a film show and a reading session on Vol. 1 of "Biography of Comrade Kim Jong Il" in Uganda, a meeting, a photo and poster exhibition, a film show and an art performance in the United Kingdom and joint seminars and a DPRK book and photo exhibition in Democratic Congo, Bangladesh and Uganda from February 10 to 16 on the occasion of Kim Jong Il's birthday.
On display in the venues of the functions were works of President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il and books and photos showing their immortal exploits and photos and posters introducing Songun Korea.
The participants of the film shows watched "Great General guiding the building of a great prosperous powerful nation to victory" and other Korean films.
Speeches were made there.
Speakers said that Kim Jong Il is a great politician recognized by the world and highly appreciated the leadership exploits he has performed by putting the position of the DPRK on the highest level and bringing about leaping progress in all fields such as political, economic, cultural and other fields with unique Songun politics.
Recalling that Kim Il Sung founded the immortal Juche idea, the great guiding idea of the times recognized by the world at present, they noted that the Juche idea is being briskly disseminated worldwide.
Congratulatory messages to Kim Jong Il were adopted at the functions held in Russia, Pakistan and the United Kingdom and letters to him were adopted at the seminars held in Bangladesh and Uganda.
Kimjongilia Show Held in China
Pyongyang, February 27 (KCNA) -- A Kimjongilia show was held in Dalian, China from February 15 to 17 on the occasion of the birthday of General Secretary Kim Jong Il and the 20th anniversary of Kimjongilia.
The show was visited by Chinese figures from different social standings and many other people.
The managing director of an international trading company in Dalian said that Kimjongilia is a symbol of the unity of the Korean people and clearly manifests their firm will to build a great prosperous powerful nation with ardent patriotism, upholding their leader. He expressed firm belief that the Korean people would achieve more shining success in the efforts to build a great prosperous powerful nation despite all sorts of difficulties under the wise leadership of Kim Jong Il.
The general manager of a botanical garden company in Dalian said that his botanical garden would also make positive efforts to cultivate and disseminate the flower dedicated to the great man.
The manager of the Yanbian Society for Northeast Asian Economic and Cultural Exchange expressed his will to make sustained efforts to ensure that the Kimjongilia show is held with success in the future, too.
Kim Jong Il's Birthday Observed in China
Beijing, February 25 (KCNA) -- A DPRK book, photo and handicraft exhibition was opened in Chengdu, China on Feb. 23 on the occasion of the birthday of General Secretary Kim Jong Il. It was co-sponsored by the Sichuan Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries of China and the DPRK General Bureau for Exhibition.
On display in the venue of the exhibition were books and photos introducing the revolutionary activities and undying leadership feats of Kim Jong Il and successes achieved by the Korean people in building a great prosperous powerful nation, and Korean paintings, oil-paintings and handicrafts showing the long history and brilliant culture of the Korean nation.
Present at an opening ceremony of the exhibition were figures from various circles including the president of the association and people in Sichuan Province and the delegation of the above-said general bureau.
The president, addressing the opening ceremony, said that the Sino-Korean friendship was provided and fostered by the leaders of the elder generation of the two countries, adding that the people in Sichuan Province have particular friendship towards the Korean people.
The exhibits on display clearly show the spirit of the Korean people working hard to build a great prosperous powerful nation and achieve national reunification under the leadership of Kim Jong Il, he noted, adding that the exhibition provided the citizens of Chengdu with an opportunity to know better about the DPRK, the development of its culture and art, in particular.
The exhibition will last till Mar. 3.
For Spanish-speaking people
Orquesta Filarmonica de Nueva York ofrece funcion en Pyongyang
Pyongyang, 27 de febrero (ATCC) -- Se estreno la vispera en el Gran Teatro de Pyongyang Este la Orquesta Filarmonica de Nueva York de Estados Unidos, de visita en Corea.
Disfrutaron la funcion Yang Hyong Sop, vicepresidente del Presidium de la Asamblea Popular Suprema de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea, Kang Nung Su, ministro de Cultura, Mun Jae Chol, presidente interino de la Asociacion Coreana de Relaciones Culturales con el Extranjero, Pak Kwan O, presidente del Comite Popular de la Ciudad de Pyongyang, Song Sok Hwan, viceministro de Cultura y presidente de la Asociacion Coreana para el Intercambio Artistico, Kim Yon Gyu, director de la Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional, y los trabajadores capitalinos.
Entre el publico se distinguian tambien los representantes diplomaticos de varios paises y los representantes de organizaciones internacionales acreditados en Corea, huespedes extranjeros y coreanos en ultramar.
Se llevaron a la escena el "Himno Nacional" de la RPDC y el de EE.UU. "Bandera de estrellas brillantes", el preludio del acto III de "Lohengrin" de WAGNER, la sinfonia No. 9 de DVORAK "Desde el nuevo mundo", "Un americano en Paris" de GERSHWIN, Farandole de la suite de BIZET "Una mujer de L´Arlesienne", la obertura de "Candide" de BERNSTEIN, y la musica orquestal "Arirang".
La banda neoyorquina de larga historia, ampliamente conocida en el mundo, mostro su delicada y probada ejecucion y alta capacidad descriptiva bajo la batuta del director en jefe, Lorin Maazel.
Parte de Pyongyang Orquesta Filarmonica de Nueva York
Pyongyang, 27 de febrero (ATCC) -- La Orquesta Filarmonica de Nueva York partio el dia 27 de esta capital.
Durante su permanencia esta banda musical presencio la funcion de los miembros del grupo artistico del Palacio de Ninos y Escolares de Mangyongdae y algunos miembros realizaron una interpretacion conjunta con los concertistas de la Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Corea.
Por otra parte, los huespedes extranjeros, quienes llegaron a esta capital en relacion de la funcion de la citada orquesta, recorrieron el Palacio de Estudio del Pueblo, el Metro de Pyongyang y otros lugares.
Inaugurada Compania de Aparatos de Iluminacion Yaming de Pyongyang
Pyongyang, 27 de febrero (ATCC) -- Quedo inaugurada la Compania Mixta de Aparatos de Iluminacion Yaming de Pyongyang en virtud del contrato correspondiente entre la Fabrica de Aparatos de Iluminacion de Pyongyang y la Corporacion Limitada de Lamparas Electricas Yaming de Shanghai de China.
En la nueva planta se produciran los bombillos ahorradores, las lamparas de sodio de alta tension y las de halogeno metalico.
La ceremonia inaugural tuvo lugar el dia 27 en la citada Fabrica.
En la ocasion participaron O Su Yong, ministro de Industria Electronica, y otros funcionarios coreanos, Zhang Linjian, director de la Compania (Grupo) Matriz YiDian de Shanghai, Liu Jingwei, administrador general de la Corporacion Limitada de Lamparas Electricas Yaming de Shanghai, y Liu Xiaoming, embajador chino en Corea.
En el acto fue presentado el informe y hubo intervenciones.
Otorgada orden de amistad al embajador de Mongolia
Pyongyang, 27 de febrero (ATCC) -- Tuvo lugar el dia 27 en el capitalino Palacio de los Congresos Mansudae la ceremonia de otorgamiento de la Orden de Amistad del primer grado de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea al embajador extraordinario y plenipotenciario de Mongolia en Corea, Janchivdorjyn Lomvo, quien hizo aporte al desarrollo de las relaciones de amistad y cooperacion entre Corea y Mongolia.
El presidente del Presidium de la Asamblea Popular Suprema Kim Yong Nam le otorgo la orden al diplomatico.
En la ocasion estuvieron presentes el vicecanciller Kim Yong Il y otros funcionarios coreanos asi como los miembros de la embajada de Mongolia.