The statement said that Kim Il Sung was the founder of socialist Korea, adding that he founded and led the DPRK, the first people's democratic state in the East.

The feats performed by him in building a genuine socialist system centred on the popular masses are always shining in the history of the Korean nation, it said, and went on:

Kim Jong Il, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, has steadfastly carried forward the idea and cause of the President.

He has made tireless efforts to realize the President's desire for building a thriving nation.

We are convinced that the Korean people, rallied around Kim Jong Il single-mindedly, will implement the behests of the President without fail.