Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea, received a message of condolences from Hannu Harju, chairman of the Communist Workers' Party of Finland for the Peace and Socialism, on Monday.

The message said:

We heard shocking sad news that General Secretary Kim Jong Il passed away.

I express deep condolences over the demise of Kim Jong Il on behalf of our party.

He was a great leader who received the deepest trust from the people and the Workers' Party of Korea and the Korean People's Army.

He faithfully carried forward the revolutionary cause of President Kim Il Sung.

He performed distinguished exploits in leading the struggle for reunifying Korea and defending the independence of the country with his peculiar Songun politics, in particular.

Under his wise leadership the socialist construction in the DPRK could overcome all difficulties and advance victoriously.

His undying revolutionary exploits performed on behalf of the Korean people, the international communist movement and the world working class will be handed down to the generations to come and will always receive praises.

All the members of the Communist Workers' Party of Finland for the Peace and Socialism, availing themselves of this opportunity, sincerely wish you good health and greater success in your responsible work for building a prosperous and powerful socialist country.

Please accept our high regards.