The paper said it in an article titled "Distinguished Exploits" carried with his photo.

It said: The DPRK was compelled to make an unprecedented arduous march, forced march in rigorous trials and difficulties baffling human imagination. But the plan to build a thriving nation is being translated into a reality, a striking demonstration of his leadership ability.

He turned the DPRK into a politico-ideological and military power under the uplifted banner of Songun and, on this basis, unrolled a far-reaching plan for building an economic power, the article noted, and went on:

Kim Jong Il is ushering in a heyday of prosperity, always believing the inexhaustible strength of the popular masses and counting on it. He encouraged the army and people to give free rein to their ideological and moral power in building an economic power.

Under his guidance the Korean people have effected a signal surge and astonishing successes in the overall economic construction.

They will surely build a thriving socialist power under his leadership.