Lao Prime Minister Arrives in Pyongyang
Pyongyang, August 30 (KCNA) -- Bouasone Bouphavanh, Prime Minister of the government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, arrived in Pyongyang on Saturday to pay an official goodwill visit to the DPRK at the invitation of Kim Yong Il, premier of the DPRK Cabinet.
He was accompanied by Minister of the Prime Minister's Office and Director of the Secretariat of the Government Cheuang Sombounkhanh, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sitaheng Rasphone, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Phongsavath Boupha, Vice-Minister of Planning and Investment Bounthavy Sisouphanthong, Vice-Minister of Industry and Commerce Khemmani Pholsena and other suite members.
They were greeted at the airport by Premier Kim Yong Il, Minister of Foreign Trade Ri Ryong Nam, Minister of Agriculture Ri Kyong Sik, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Yong Il, Deputy Chief Secretary of the Cabinet Ri Yong Sok and Lao Ambassador to the DPRK Chaleune Warinthrasak.
A welcome ceremony for Bouasone Bouphavanh was held.
Talks between DPRK Premier and Lao PM Held
Pyongyang, August 30 (KCNA) -- Talks between Kim Yong Il, premier of the DPRK Cabinet, and Bouasone Bouphavanh, Prime Minister of the government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, were held at the Mansudae Assembly Hall today.
Present at the talks from the DPRK side were Ri Ryong Nam, minister of Foreign Trade, Ri Kyong Sik, minister of Agriculture, Kim Yong Il, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ri Yong Sok, deputy chief secretary of the Cabinet, and from the Lao side were Minister of the Prime Minister's Office and Director of the Secretariat of the Government Cheuang Sombounkhanh, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sitaheng Rasphone, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Phongsavath Boupha, Vice-Minister of Planning and Investment Bounthavy Sisouphanthong, Vice-Minister of Industry and Commerce Khemmani Pholsena and Lao Ambassador to the DPRK Chaleune Warinthrasak.
At the talks both sides exchanged views on boosting the bilateral friendly and cooperative relations and matters of mutual concern.
The talks proceeded in a friendly atmosphere.
Agreement on Establishing Joint Committee Signed between DPRK and Laos
Pyongyang, August 30 (KCNA) -- An agreement on setting up a joint committee for cooperation in economy, trade, science and technology was signed between the governments of the DPRK and Laos at the Mansudae Assembly Hall Saturday.
Present at the signing ceremony from the DPRK side were Kim Yong Il, premier of the Cabinet, Ri Ryong Nam, minister of Foreign Trade, Ri Kyong Sik, minister of Agriculture, Kim Yong Il, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, Ri Yong Sok, deputy chief secretary of the Cabinet, and officials concerned.
Also present there from the Lao side were Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh, Minister of the Prime Minister's Office and Director of the Secretariat of the Government Cheuang Sombounkhanh, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sitaheng Rasphone, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Phongsavath Boupha, Vice-Minister of Planning and Investment Bounthavy Sisouphanthong, Vice-Minister of Industry and Commerce Khemmani Pholsena, Lao Ambassador to the DPRK Chaleune Warinthrasak and other suite members.
The agreement was inked by Ri Myong San, vice-minister of Foreign Trade, and Khemmani Pholsena.
Lao PM Feted
Pyongyang, August 30 (KCNA) -- The DPRK government arranged a banquet in honor of Bouasone Bouphavanh, Prime Minister of the government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, on an official goodwill visit to the DPRK at the Mansudae Assembly Hall today.
Present there on invitation together with the prime minister were Minister of the Prime Minister's Office and Director of the Secretariat of the Government Cheuang Sombounkhanh, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sitaheng Rasphone, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Phongsavath Boupha, Vice-Minister of Planning and Investment Bounthavy Sisouphanthong, Vice-Minister of Industry and Commerce Khemmani Pholsena, Lao Ambassador to the DPRK Chaleune Warinthrasak and other suite members.
On hand were Kim Yong Il, premier of the DPRK Cabinet, Ri Ryong Nam, minister of Foreign Trade, Ri Kyong Sik, minister of Agriculture, and others.
Kim Yong Il in his speech made at the banquet referred to the fact that the Lao people have made vigorous endeavors to realize the industrialization and modernization of the country, adhering to the socialist idea under the correct leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.
He hoped that the fraternal Lao people would register fresh and greater successes in the work to steadily consolidate the people's democratic system suited to the specific conditions of their country and implement the decision of the 8th Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party by displaying the spirit of patriotism, sovereignty and independence, self-reliance and fortitude.
It is the consistent stand of the Workers' Party of Korea and the government of the DPRK to set store by the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries and steadily boost them.
Bouasone Bouphavanh said in his reply that the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries provided by President Kaysone Phomvihane and President Kim Il Sung are long-standing.
He noted that the party, government and people of Laos have consistently supported the party, government and people of the DPRK in the struggle for defending the country and accomplishing the cause of socialism.
He said that Laos is pleased with the fact that the Korean people have registered great successes in the struggle to build a great prosperous powerful nation and achieve the independent and peaceful reunification of the country under the wise leadership of Kim Jong Il.
Lao PM Visits Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery
Pyongyang, August 31 (KCNA) -- Bouasone Bouphavanh, Prime Minister of the government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, laid a wreath before the Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery on Mt. Taesong Sunday.
Present at the wreath-laying ceremony together with Bouasone Bouphavanh were Minister of the Prime Minister's Office and Director of the Secretariat of the Government Cheuang Sombounkhanh, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sitaheng Rasphone, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Phongsavath Boupha, Vice-Minister of Planning and Investment Bounthavy Sisouphanthong, Vice-Minister of Industry and Commerce Khemmani Pholsena, Lao Ambassador to the DPRK Chaleune Warinthrasak, and other suite members.
On hand were Kim Yong Il, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, and Kim Jong Sik, vice-chairman of the Pyongyang City People's Committee.
The participants observed a moment's silence in memory of the revolutionary martyrs who laid down their lives for the sacred cause of the liberation of the country, socialist construction and national reunification under the leadership of President Kim Il Sung and General Secretary Kim Jong Il.
The prime minister laid a bunch of flowers before the bust of Kim Jong Suk, an anti-Japanese war hero.
Greetings to Malaysian King
Pyongyang, August 30 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Saturday sent a message of greetings to Malaysian King A1-Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni A1-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah on the occasion of the 51st national day of Malaysia.
Kim in the message sincerely wished the friendly Malaysian people prosperity and welfare and expressed belief that the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries would grow stronger in the days ahead.
Greetings to President of Trinidad and Tobago
Pyongyang, August 30 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, on August 27 sent a message of greetings to George Maxwell Richard, President of Trinidad and Tobago, on the occasion of the 46th anniversary of its independence.
Kim Yong Nam in the message wished the President and people of Trinidad and Tobago new progress and prosperity.
Greetings to Libyan Leader
Pyongyang, August 31 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, sent a message of greetings to Moammer el Gaddafi, Leader of the Great September First Revolution of Libya, today on the occasion of the 39th anniversary of the Great September First Revolution in Libya.
Kim in the message sincerely wished the Libyan people greater progress and prosperity, expressing the belief that the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries would further develop in the mutual interests.
Greetings to President of Kyrgyzstan
Pyongyang, August 31 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, sent a message of greetings to Kurmanbek Bakiyev, President of Kyrgyzstan, today on the occasion of its national holiday.
Wishing him greater success in his responsible work for progress of the country and welfare of the people, Kim in the message expressed the belief that the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries would grow stronger in the future.
Congratulations to Nepalese Foreign Minister
Pyongyang, August 30 (KCNA) -- Pak Ui Chun, minister of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK, Saturday sent a congratulatory message to Upendra Yadav on his appointment as foreign minister of Nepal.
Expressing the belief that the good friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries would grow stronger in the future, too, Pak in his message sincerely wished the foreign minister success in his new job.
National Sports Contest of Young Boys and Girls Held
Pyongyang, August 30 (KCNA) -- The 45th national sports contest of juvenile physical training schools took place in Pyongyang, Hamhung, Wonsan and other parts of the country.
Competitions were made in over 30 events, including football, basketball, volleyball, table-tennis, track-and-field, boxing and gymnastics at the contest divided into two groups--youth and juvenile groups.
In the youth group teams from the Central Physical Training College and the city of Pyongyang won in men's and women's football, the city of Pyongyang in men's and women's basketball, the Ryokpho District Juvenile Physical Training School and South Hwanghae Province in men's and women's volleyball, Pyongyang and South Hamgyong Province in men's and women's boxing, the Sariwon City Juvenile Physical Training School and the Juvenile Physical Training School at the Athletics Gymnasium in Chongchun Street in men's and women's gymnastics and the Central District Juvenile Physical Training School in rhythmic gymnastics.
In the juvenile group the city of Pyongyang took the boys' and girls' football titles, Kangwon Province and Pyongyang the boys' and girls' basketball titles, North Phyongan Province and Pyongyang the boys' and girls' table-tennis titles, and the Sariwon City Juvenile Physical Training School and the Juvenile Physical Training School at the Athletics Gymnasium in Chongchun Street the boys' and girls' gymnastics titles.
A ceremony of closing the contest was held on Aug. 29.
Patriotic Cause of Chongryon Sure to Triumph
Pyongyang, August 30 (KCNA) -- There are not a few overseas residents organizations in the world but no organization is as patriotic and strong as the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon). The Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Korean nation are highly proud of having such overseas compatriots organization as Chongryon boundlessly faithful to the country.
Rodong Sinmun Saturday says this in a signed article.
It goes on:
The history of the movement of Koreans in Japan is shining as a sacred course in which it has won victories under the outstanding leadership of President Kim Il Sung and General Secretary Kim Jong Il.
The movement of Koreans in Japan is a model of the most dynamic and admirable overseas compatriots movement of Juche type struggling for their own homeland and nation.
The path traversed by the movement of Koreans in Japan under the banner of the DPRK has been by no means smooth.
The Japanese reactionaries have resorted to every conceivable plot and move to undermine Chongryon at any cost and tear Koreans in Japan from the fold of the DPRK ever since its formation, regarding it as a thorn in their flesh.
But the officials of Chongryon and compatriots in Japan have courageously foiled the vicious and persistent moves of the reactionaries inside and outside Japan to destroy it and firmly defended and reinforced it, single-mindedly united around it with unshakable faith and patriotic devotion.
Koreans in Japan have always stood in the same ranks with the people in the homeland without any vacillation despite the vicious moves of the reactionaries inside and outside Japan against the DPRK and made sincere efforts and contributions to the prosperity of the socialist country.
The above-said movement is creditably performing its mission and role as a pioneer in the struggle of the overseas compatriots for the independent and peaceful reunification of the country.
The movement of Koreans in Japan is now undergoing the sternest trial due to the Japanese reactionaries' mean and desperate suppression. But the officials of Chongryon and Koreans in Japan remain unshaken in their faith and will to advance along the patriotic road to the last under the banner of the DPRK, cherishing deep in their hearts the pride and dignity of being overseas citizens of Songun Korea.
The patriotic cause of Chongryon is just and it is sure to triumph.
Rodong Sinmun on Politico-Ideological Confrontation with Imperialism
Pyongyang, August 30 (KCNA) -- The struggle to defend socialism is acute political and ideological confrontation with imperialism and all hues of foes of socialism. Only when a country holds fast to the ideological work can it augment its political and ideological might in every way and surely emerge victorious in the acute political and ideological confrontation with imperialism, says Rodong Sinmun today in a signed article.
It goes on:
Degeneration under socialism begins with the degeneration of idea. When the ideological front gets disintegrated, it leads to the collapse of all fronts of socialism and to the complete fall of socialism in the end.
It is the basic way of winning victory in the political and ideological confrontation with imperialism to achieve the politico-ideological unity of the socialist society and strengthen and develop the social relations under socialism based on the comradely unity and cooperation.
The imperialists are now frantically conducting the psychological warfare to break the political and ideological unity and comradely relations in socialist countries. Through this they seek to destabilize the socialist countries politically and ideologically.
If socialism is to emerge victorious in the confrontation with imperialism, it is necessary to achieve the cohesion and unity of the society and give full play to the united strength and wisdom of the popular masses. Herein lie the advantages of socialism and its invincible might. And they are guaranteed by the ideological work.
It is an important condition for winning a victory in the political and ideological confrontation with imperialism to protect socialist properties and steadily consolidate and develop the socialist economic relations.
The working class party should have a firm grip on media, literature and arts and other ideological and cultural means and steadily increase their roles to make sure that all ideological and cultural means creditably carry out their mission and duty on the socialist ideological front.
A socialist state should guide and manage all fabrics of social life in conformity with the socialist principle and requirements. This plays a great function in encouraging the people in their efforts to consolidate the socialist idea and make their life under socialism joyful and worthwhile. This provides an important guarantee for preventing outdated ideas from reviving and these ideas from infiltrating from outside in the socialist society.
It is immutable truth that it is possible to consolidate the socialist political and ideological position and achieve the victorious advance of the socialist cause only when the ideological work is pushed ahead of all other matters in the socialist society with top priority given to ideology.
Display of Self-Reliance for Solving Food Problem Urged
Pyongyang, August 31 (KCNA) -- Non-aligned and other developing countries should wage a dynamic struggle to settle the food problem by their own efforts by displaying the revolutionary spirit of self-reliance.
Rodong Sinmun today says this in a signed article.
It goes on:
The serious food crisis the above-said countries are facing at present is attributable to their historical circumstances and the unfair international economic order.
The food problem of the developing countries is not a simple matter of feeding people and stabilizing and developing the economy but a political matter of defending the sovereignty of these countries and nations.
To develop independent agriculture in the spirit of self-reliance and attain self-sufficiency in food is the basic way for the non-aligned and other developing countries to satisfactorily settle the food problem.
It is important for these countries to work out state programme and strategy for economic construction to attain self-sufficiency in food and, on their basis, make short- and long-term plans for food and agricultural production and actively implement them. An important factor of achieving successes in this work is to effectively tap and use human, material, technological and financial potentials of the countries and make sure that the bulk of efforts for socio-economic life are directed to settling the food and agricultural problems.
It is necessary for the non-aligned and other developing countries to reform the outdated socio-economic structure built by the colonialists in the past as required by the building of independent national economy. It is imperative to reform and develop the rural economy that had been shaped in favor of the imperialists only in such a way as to suit their specific conditions.
These countries should further strengthen South-South cooperation on the principle of collective self-reliance. This is an important condition for successfully tiding over their economic difficulties and attaining self-sufficiency in food.
Over 180 Cases of Aerial Espionage Committed in August
Pyongyang, August 31 (KCNA) -- The U.S. imperialists and the south Korean puppet forces frantically committed aerial espionage against the DPRK in August by mobilizing strategic and tactical reconnaissance planes with different missions, according to a military source.
An overseas-based RC-135 of the U.S. imperialist aggression forces flew in the sky over south Korea on August 28 to conduct aerial observation and photographing of all areas of the DPRK including its depth.
On August 29 and 30, south Korea-based U-2 of the U.S. imperialists spied on the area of the DPRK, making shuttle flights from east to west round the clock. The cases of espionage perpetrated by this spy plane reached 27 in August.
Prior to the Ulji Freedom Guardian joint military exercises for aggression, overseas-based E-3 and E-8C flew into air force bases of the U.S. imperialist aggression forces in south Korea.
The U.S. imperialists and the south Korean puppet forces mobilized more than 30 strategic and tactical reconnaissance planes with different missions and commanding aircraft to spy on the area along the front line in the period from August 19 to 21 when the madcap exercises were under way.
In the meantime, the south Korean puppet forces let two or three RC-800s and RF-4Cs make shuttle flights round the clock almost everyday in order to perpetrate high-altitude and low-altitude photographing of the areas of the DPRK.
The number of cases of espionage committed by the U.S. imperialist aggressor forces against the DPRK in August reached more than 110 and the number of those perpetrated by the south Korean puppet forces in the same period over 70.
The aerial espionage committed by them, timed to coincide with their beefing of aggression armed forces and their relocation and madcap saber-rattling, clearly indicate that the U.S. imperialists and the south Korean puppets remain unchanged in their aggressive ambition to stifle the DPRK by force of arms.
Police Suppression Protested in S. Korea
Pyongyang, August 31 (KCNA) -- Political parties and civic and public organizations of south Korea, including the Democratic Labor Party, the south Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and the Society for Supporting Prisoners of Conscience of the Family Movement for Realizing Democracy, called a press conference in Seoul on August 27 at which they denounced the puppet police for arresting members of the Federation of Socialist Workers' Union.
Speakers at the press conference recalled that the police arrested all of a sudden O Se Chol, honorary professor at Yonsei University who is chairman of the Steering Committee of the federation, and its six other members on August 26 on charges of the violation of the ill-famed "National Security Law", searched their houses and seized social and scientific books, etc.
They accused the police of even disallowing families of arrestees and those concerned of the federation to visit them, stating that this is nothing but a foolish act of the authorities to tide over the ruling crisis through the police suppression of people.
The "government's" use of police to hold in check social progress is aimed at discouraging the progressive forces, they added.
They called on all the people to foil the police suppression and have the NSL repealed at an early date so as to win back the freedom of political activities and thinking.
Meanwhile, the Bar Association for a Democratic Society declared that it would form a "group for legal counter-actions" in protest against the authorities' ongoing suppression.
Struggle for Democratization Called for in S. Korea
Pyongyang, August 30 (KCNA) -- The Solidarity for Progress of south Korea, the south Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, the Memorial Solidarity, the Democratic Labor Party and other civic and public organizations and political parties in south Korea formed a "committee for the 19th all-people memorial service for the martyrs and others who fell in the struggle for nation and democracy" on August 26.
A press conference was called in Seoul that day as regards the announcement of its inauguration. Speakers said at the conference that the successes gained by the martyrs and people at the cost of their blood in the past struggle for democratization are being destroyed due to the vicious suppression by the Lee Myung Bak group.
They deplored that in this sense they can not but go back to the past era in which they had memorial services for martyrs under the complete blockade by the past military dictatorship and going through tear gas bombs and shedding tears.
They declared that through the forthcoming all-people memorial service they would intensify the struggle for democratization in solidarity with all the reformist and progressive forces opposing the "Grand National Party", the conservative ruling force, and Chosun Ilbo, Choongang Ilbo and Dong-A Ilbo.
A declaration on the inauguration of the committee, read out at the press conference, noted that the committee would hold the all-people memorial service in all parts of south Korea, including Seoul, Inchon and Kyonggi Province, from September 3 with the attendance of the people from all walks of life who started the struggle against American beef import.
Then an action program of the committee was announced.
Unreasonable Trial Protested in S. Korea
Pyongyang, August 30 (KCNA) -- The Measure Committee for the Release of Yun Ki Jin, chairman of the South Headquarters of the National Alliance of Youth and Students for the Country's Reunification, called a press conference in Seoul on August 27, denouncing the unreasonable trial on him by the puppet Seoul Central District Court.
The court sentenced to three years of imprisonment and three years of suspension of qualification Yun who was arrested and prosecuted on charges of violating the "National Security Law".
Speakers at the press conference said that the court authorities' ruling was an anachronistic reckless action.
They charged that it is an unpardonable deed that the court authorities granted a "special pardon" to the chieftains for the irregularities and corruption and declared Yun guilty for the mere reason that he acted as chairman of the south Korean Federation of University Student Councils and struggled to relieve the sorrow of national division.
They contended that the National Alliance of Youth and Students for the Country's Reunification is a legitimate organization of youth and students in the north and the south and abroad, not an organization which acts on the "instruction" of someone.
They held that the Lee Myung Bak group should stop the suppression of Yun, coming to sense though belatedly.
Appointment of New Manager of KBS Assailed in S. Korea
Pyongyang, August 30 (KCNA) -- Different circles of south Korea protested against an illegal appointment of the manager of the KBS by traitor Lee Myung Bak on August 26.
The south Korean Press Trade Union issued a statement "Lee Myung Bak's appointment of the manager of the KBS is illegal".
The statement referred to the fact that Lee forcibly appointed a new manager of the KBS that day in spite of the protest of different circles, adding that it can never be admitted as it is illegal.
Shortly ago, Lee said that the action to make the law impossible to govern should no longer be pardoned but he took the lead in violating law by dismissing the manager of the public broadcasting service, the statement noted, and continued:
Lee who has no right to meddle in the affairs of the KBS should stop the anachronistic act to control the public broadcasting services by power.
The Action for Checking the Move to Control the Broadcasting Services called a press conference around "Chongwadae" and denounced traitor Lee's forcible appointment of a new manager of the KBS.
S. Korean People Called upon to Judge Present Regime
Pyongyang, August 30 (KCNA) -- A rally of the Democratic Labor Party took place in Seoul on Aug. 27 to demand the stop of suppression by the public security authorities, dismissal of the chief of the Police Office and renegotiations over the American beef import.
At the rally speakers denounced Lee Myung Bak for pursuing prejudiced policies in political, economic, cultural and religious and all other fields of the society.
They noted that a "draft amendment to a law on prevention of epidemic diseases of domestic animals" recently passed through the "National Assembly" can not help stop the import even though a "mad cow disease" breaks out in the U.S.
They also said that the police and the prosecution scheme to apply fine of millions of wons to at least 900 persons booked without restraint among those who were arrested after participating in the candlelight struggle, asserting that the unjust suppression should be immediately stopped.
Noting that the party would struggle to the end against the recent attempt of the "Grand National Party" to institute and enforce all kinds of evil laws including "real name Internet system" to arrest the candlelight struggle, they stressed the need for all people to judge the present regime by holding candlelight.
Prison Term Inflicted upon S. Korean Pro-Reunification Figure
Pyongyang, August 30 (KCNA) -- The puppet Seoul Central District Court held a trial on Aug. 27 at which it sentenced Yun Ki Jin, chairman of the South Headquarters of the National Alliance of Youth and Students for the Country's Reunification, to three years in prison and three years of suspension of qualification on the charge of "violation of the National Security Law" after prosecuting him, according to south Korean MBC.
The court took such tyrannical action on groundless charges that Yun manufactured "literature benefiting the enemy" and "dispatched a representative of the south Korean Federation of University Student Councils to the north so that he might get instructions" while he was active as chairman of the above-said headquarters from 2002.
Release of Pro-Reunification Figures Urged in S. Korea
Pyongyang, August 31 (KCNA) -- The South Headquarters of the National Alliance of Youth and Students for the Country's Reunification (Pomchonghakryon) issued a statement on August 27 denouncing the unjust decision made by the judicial authorities against its Chairman Yun Ki Jin.
The statement recalled that the Seoul Central District Court at a trial held that day sentenced Yun, who was arrested and prosecuted on charges of violating the "National Security Law", to three years in prison and three years of suspension of civil rights.
The unwarranted judgment has touched off indignation of people of different social strata as it was an act of going against the trend of the June 15 era of reunification, the statement said.
It declared that the South Headquarters of Pomchonghakryon denounces the court decision made against Yun and will join people in their dynamic actions by employing every possible means and method till he is set free.
The statement urged the judicial authorities to set free the chairman and other pro-reunification patriotic figures immediately.
Repeal of Agreement on Share of Upkeep for U.S. Forces Urged in S. Korea
Pyongyang, August 31 (KCNA) -- 13 political parties, civic and public and youth and students organizations in south Korea, including the Democratic Labor Party, the People for Achieving Peace and Reunification, the Solidarity for Progress of south Korea and the Seoul District Federation of University Student Councils under the south Korean Federation of University Student Councils, held a joint rally in Seoul on August 28, demanding the repeal of the special agreement on share of funds for the upkeep of the U.S. forces present in south Korea.
Speakers at the rally slammed the U.S. for forcing south Korea to increase its share of funds for the upkeep of the U.S. troops for next year at the negotiations for concluding the special agreement held between the U.S. and south Korean authorities in Seoul that day.
They charged that the south Korean authorities are contemplating meeting the U.S. demand at the negotiations, talking about the "tightened alliance."
Lee Myung Bak's nature of kowtowing to the U.S. found a vivid manifestation in the fact that he could not utter even a single word about the U.S. pressure, they deplored.
They held that the special agreement should be repealed as it backs the realization of the "strategic flexibility" of the U.S. forces present in south Korea and throws only a hurdle in the way of setting up a peace mechanism on the Korean Peninsula.
Candlelight Rally Held in Seoul
Pyongyang, August 31 (KCNA) -- A candlelight rally took place in Seoul on August 27 with the participation of citizens of all social standings who attended the "all-Buddhists' meeting held to denounce the violation of the constitution and religious discrimination and protest against the Lee Myung Bak "government."
The participants in the rally strongly demanded the renegotiations on the import of American beef, expressing bitter indignation at the Lee regime which left the south Korean beef markets to the tender mercy of the U.S.
Noting that everything should be done to check the import of American beef, they called on the people to struggle to the last, not yielding to the unjust pressure of the U.S.
Timed to coincide with the candlelight rally, an anti-U.S., anti-Lee Myung Bak street information service was conducted at the same place under the sponsorship of the Policy Committee under the Solidarity for Implementing the South-North Joint Declaration of south Korea, the Institute for Civic Rights Studies and others.
The participants conducted a signature campaign demanding the above-said renegotiations, distributing among citizens literature produced by the People's Measure Council against the Total Opening of south Korean Markets to American Beef.
The solidarity declared that it would carry on the above-said information service till Sept. 8.
Seminars Held Abroad to Mark 60th Birthday of DPRK
Pyongyang, August 31 (KCNA) -- Seminars were held in Cambodia, Egypt and Finland from Aug. 23 to 25 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the DPRK.
Displayed in the venues of the seminars were photos showing the exploits the peerlessly great men performed by founding and developing the DPRK and their works and photos introducing the path of victory and glory covered by the DPRK over the past six decades.
First Vice-Chairman of the FUNCINPEC Party of Cambodia Lu Lay Sreng noted that President Kim Il Sung liberated Korea from the colonial rule of the Japanese imperialists more than 60 years ago and founded the DPRK.
Chairman of the Egyptian Committee for the Study of the Juche Idea Yehia Zakaria Khairullah said that the President performed undying exploits by liberating the country and founding the DPRK.
Honorary Chairman of the Finland-Korea Society Pekka Leppanen, Chief of the Finnish Group for the Study of Works of Comrade Kim Jong Il Sika Aho Antti and the editor-in-chief of the organ of the Finnish Communists' Association "Kansan Eeni" said that Kim Il Sung's cause of nation-building has been creditably carried forward by General Secretary Kim Jong Il.
They stressed that the sovereignty of the country and the nation as well as the peace on the Korean Peninsula are firmly guaranteed thanks to the Songun policy of Kim Jong Il.
A congratulatory message to Kim Jong Il was adopted at the seminar held in Finland.
Kim Jong Il's Work Published in Guinea
Pyongyang, August 30 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il's work "Our Socialism Centred on the Masses Shall Not Perish" was brought out in pamphlet by a Guinean publishing house.
The work, published on May 5, Juche 80 (1991), clarifies the inevitability of the victory of socialism, the secret of the solidity and invincibility of socialism in the DPRK, the essential characteristics of socialism in the DPRK, etc.
Its releasing ceremony took place at the publishing house on Aug. 22.
Diamond Jubilee of DPRK Observed in Different Countries
Pyongyang, August 30 (KCNA) -- A seminar and lecture on exploits of President Kim Il Sung and General Secretary Kim Jong Il were held in South Africa and Mexico on Aug. 21 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the DPRK.
On display in the venues of the functions were photos showing the immortal exploits they performed by founding and developing the DPRK, their works and photos introducing its six-decade-long glorious history.
The chairman of a branch of Pretoria City of the African National Congress of South Africa made a speech titled "The DPRK and Its Founding Father President Kim Il Sung".
He said:
Kim Il Sung whom the Korean people hold in high esteem as their eternal leader is the founding father of the DPRK, the first people's country in the Korean nation's history spanning 5,000 years and a socialist power which has remained unshaken in any storm and stress of history.
The strong political, military and economic foundations laid by him all his life serve as an eternal motive force that enables the DPRK to win one victory after another.
All the successes achieved by the Korean people in the past period are the fruition of the seasoned leadership of Kim Jong Il, the distinguished statesman recognized by the world, and the unique Songun politics pursued by him.
The chairman of the Mexican Human Rights Front noted in a lecture that thanks to the outstanding Songun revolutionary leadership of Kim Jong Il the DPRK is demonstrating its dignity and honor to the whole world and prospering day by day, expressing hope that the reunification of Korea would come true as early as possible.
Diamond Jubilee of DPRK Marked in Different Countries
Pyongyang, August 31 (KCNA) -- Organizations of Bulgaria and Bangladesh issued bulletins on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the DPRK on August 25.
The bulletin of the Bulgaria-Korea Friendship Association carried articles under various titles.
The article titled "60th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea" dealt with the historical background against which the DPRK was founded and praised the path of victory and glory covered by the DPRK over the last six decades under the wise leadership of President Kim Il Sung and General Secretary Kim Jong Il.
The bulletin stressed that Kim Jong Il who has faithfully carried forward the cause of Kim Il Sung is wisely leading the Korean people to building of a great prosperous powerful socialist nation.
The bulletin carried an article titled "Country free from taxes".
The Bangladesh-Korea Friendship and Solidarity Committee in its bulletin carried articles titled "Songun politics and attractive leadership art", "2008, a year of historic turn for the DPRK", "Fundamental principle for settling the issue of Korean reunification", etc.
The bulletin in its articles dealt with the successes made by the Workers' Party of Korea, the DPRK government and the Korean people in the efforts to achieve the country's reunification and build a great prosperous powerful nation under the distinguished Songun leadership of Kim Jong Il.
The Egypt-Korea Friendship Association released bulletin titled "Regarding the army as a main force for accomplishing the socialist cause" on August 18 on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the start of Kim Jong Il's Songun revolutionary leadership.
U.S. and S. Korea's War Moves against DPRK under Fire
Pyongyang, August 30 (KCNA) -- Alejandro Cao de Benos, chairman of the Korean Friendship Association headquartered in Spain, released a statement on Aug. 20 to denounce the war moves of the U.S. and south Korean puppet warmongers.
In the statement he branded the U.S. and the south Korean warlike forces' Ulji Freedom Guardian joint military exercises as a blatant challenge and mockery of all Korean people and the world peace-loving people desirous of peace, stability and reunification of the Korean Peninsula.
He scathingly assailed the U.S. and south Korean puppet authorities' anachronistic and frantic war maneuvers as anti-reunification and treacherous acts.
He went on:
If the U.S. truly desires the advance of the six-party talks and peace on the Korean Peninsula, it should refrain from acts detrimental to them.
With no sophism can the U.S. justify the military exercises staged by it under the simulated conditions of a total war against the DPRK by mobilizing huge troops and ultra-modern war equipment.
The U.S. should stop the war moves at once and withdraw all its aggressor troops from south Korea without delay, deeply pondering over the consequences to be entailed by the frantic military exercises targeted against the DPRK.
The south Korean puppet authorities should clearly understand the desire and will of the Korean people for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the independence of the nation and reunification and stop participating in the war maneuvers to do harm to compatriots, subservient to foreign forces.
He called on the progressive figures and anti-imperialist peace organizations of the world to denounce the war moves of the U.S. imperialists and the south Korean puppet authorities against the DPRK and raise higher the voices of support and solidarity for the Anti-Imperialist National Democratic Front and the south Korean people in their struggle against the U.S. and war.
DPRK Praised in Romania
Pyongyang, August 30 (KCNA) -- The Romanian Preparatory Committee for Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Democratic People's Republic Korea released the first issue of its bulletin "Popular Policies of the DPRK" on Aug. 23.
The bulletin elaborated on the fact that the popular policies of the DPRK serve all the people on an equal footing.
The course of advancing socialist construction in the DPRK was immediately the course in which the popular policies have been enforced in the direction of steadily improving the standard of people's material and cultural living, it said.
It stressed that the DPRK would prosper forever under the absolute trust and support of the people with the popular policies being invariably enforced.
For Spanish-speaking people
Firmado acuerdo sobre la institucion de comite conjunto Corea-Laos
Pyongyang, 30 de agosto (ATCC) -- Quedo rubricado este sabado en el Palacio de los Congresos Mansudae el acuerdo sobre el establecimiento del Comite Conjunto para la Cooperacion Economica, Comercial, Cientifica y Tecnica entre los gobiernos de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea y la Republica Democratica Popular Lao.
En la ocasion estuvieron presentes por la parte coreana el premier Kim Yong Il, el ministro de Comercio Exterior Ri Ryong Nam, el ministro de Agricultura Ri Kyong Sik, el vicecanciller Kim Yong Il, el subdirector del Secretariado del Consejo de Ministros Ri Yong Sok y otros funcionarios; y por la parte lao, el primer ministro Bouasone Bouphavanh, el ministro de la oficina del premier y director del Secretariado del gobierno Cheuang Sombounkhanh, el ministro de Agricultura y Silvicultura Sitaheng Rasphone, el vicecanciller Phongsavath Boupha, el viceministro de Planificacion e Inversion Bounthavy Sisouphanthong, el viceministro de Industria y Comercio Khemmani Pholsena, el embajador lao en Corea Chaleune Warinthrasak y otros acompanantes.
Firmaron el documento el viceministro coreano de Comercio Exterior Ri Myong San y el viceministro lao de Industria y Comercio Khemmani Pholsena.
Conversaciones entre Kim Yong Il y Bouasone Bouphavanh
Pyongyang, 30 de agosto (ATCC) -- Tuvieron lugar este sabado en el Palacio de los Congresos Mansudae las conversaciones entre el primer ministro del Consejo de Ministros de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea, Kim Yong Il, y el premier del gobierno de la Republica Democratica Popular Lao, Bouasone Bouphavanh.
Participaron por la parte coreana el ministro de Comercio Exterior Ri Ryong Nam, el ministro de Agricultura Ri Kyong Sik, el viceministro de Relaciones Exteriores Kim Yong Il y el subdirector del Secretariado del Consejo de Ministros Ri Yong Sok; y por la parte lao, el ministro de la oficina del premier y director del Secretariado del gobierno Cheuang Sombounkhanh, el ministro de Agricultura y Silvicultura Sitaheng Rasphone, el vicecanciller Phongsavath Boupha, el viceministro de Planificacion e Inversion Bounthavy Sisouphanthong, el viceministro de Industria y Comercio Khemmani Pholsena, y el embajador lao en Corea Chaleune Warinthrasak.
En la ocasion ambas partes intercambiaron sus opiniones sobre el mayor desarrollo de las relaciones de amistad y cooperacion entre ambos paises y otros problemas de interes mutuo.
Las conversaciones transcurrieron en un ambiente amistoso.
En Pyongyang Bouasone Bouphavanh
Pyongyang, 30 de agosto (ATCC) -- Arribo hoy a esta capital el primer ministro de la Republica Democratica Popular Lao, Bouasone Bouphavanh, para realizar una visita oficial y de amistad a la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea cumplimentando la invitacion del premier del Consejo de Ministros, Kim Yong Il.
Entre sus acompanantes figuran el ministro de la oficina del premier y director del Secretariado del Gobierno Cheuang Sombounkhanh, el ministro de Agricultura y Silvicultura Sitaheng Rasphone, el vicecanciller Phongsavath Boupha, el viceministro de Planificacion e Inversion Bounthavy Sisouphanthong, el viceministro de Industria y Comercio Khemmani Pholsena, etc.
Los huespedes fueron acogidos en el aeropuerto por el premier Kim Yong Il, el ministro de Comercio Exterior Ri Ryong Nam, el ministro de Agricultura Ri Kyong Sik, el vicecanciller Kim Yong Il, el subdirector del Secretariado del Consejo de Ministros Ri Yong Sok y otros funcionarios coreanos.
Estaban alli tambien el embajador lao en Corea Chaleune Warinthrasak y otros miembros de esta sede diplomatica.
Hubo una ceremonia de bienvenida al premier lao.
Africa del Sur y Mexico: simposio y conferencia por efemeride coreana
Pyongyang, 30 de agosto (ATCC) -- Tuvieron lugar el dia 21 en Sudafrica y Mexico el simposio sobre hazanas y la conferencia por el 60o aniversario de la fundacion de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea.
En los lugares de actos estaban exhibidas las fotos alusivas a las inmortales hazanas del Presidente Kim Il Sung y el Dirigente Kim Jong Il realizadas en la fundacion y el fortalecimiento de la RPDC, sus obras y las fotos que dan a conocer la gloriosa trayectoria de 60 anos de esta.
El presidente de una sucursal de la ciudad de Pretoria del Congreso Nacional Africano de Sudafrica, en su discurso intitulado "Corea, el Presidente Kim Il Sung, padre fundador del Estado" senalo que el Presidente Kim Il Sung, Lider eterno del pueblo coreano es el padre fundador del Estado quien fundo la RPDC, primer pais del pueblo en la historia de 5 milenios de la nacion coreana y potencia socialista que no vacila ante cualesquier vicisitudes de la historia.
Subrayo que la firme base politica, militar y economica que el Presidente echo durante toda su vida sirve de eterna fuerza motriz que hace que la RPDC pueda salir siempre victoriosa.
Destaco que todos los exitos logrados en el pasado por el pueblo coreano se deben a la sabia direccion de Su Excelencia Kim Jong Il, eminente politico reconocido por el mundo y a la original politica de Songun (priorizacion militar) que practica el.
El presidente del Frente de Defensa de Derechos Humanos del Mexico, en su conferencia, senalo que gracias a la sabia direccion de Su Excelencia Kim Jong Il sobre la revolucion mediante el Songun Corea exalta a todo el mundo su dignidad y honor y prospera cada dia mas y deseo que sea realizada cuanto antes la reunificacion de Corea.