Rodong Sinmun Wednesday observes this in an editorial on the occasion of the 16th anniversary of Kim Jong Il's election as chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission.

Kim Jong Il's election as chairman of the National Defence Commission in the DPRK meant the successful solution of the fundamental issue on which hinged the destinies of the state and people, the editorial says, and goes on:

He is the great statesman of general-type who has performed immortal feats to shine forever in history by leading the Party and the army, the state and the people for several decades with his extraordinary qualification and personality and distinguished political caliber as an illustrious commander born of Heaven.

The past more than decade during which he has led the Korean revolution, shouldering upon himself the heavy responsibility as chairman of the NDC is an unforgettable period which witnessed an epoch-making change in strengthening and developing the Korean revolutionary armed forces and a glorious period during which he fully demonstrated the heroic spirit of Korea dynamically advancing toward a bright morrow, weathering manifold trials.

The precious feats he has performed by leading the Korean revolution as chairman of the NDC are that he made the DPRK always shed its rays as Kim Il Sung's Korea, augmented the political and military potentials of the country in every way and laid an eternal foundation for the prosperity of the country and the happiness of the people.

The editorial calls upon all the servicepersons and people to fully demonstrate the dignity of the DPRK and spirit of sure victory under the uplifted banner of Songun, while keeping in their mind the great honor and happiness of having Kim Jong Il at the helm of the Korean revolution.