Pyongyang, December 21 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea, Monday received a message of condolences from Sazhi Umalatova, chairwoman of the Party for Peace and Unity of Russia.

The message said:

Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un,

We cannot repress great sorrow over the sudden demise of Comrade Kim Jong Il, the great leader and general of the DPRK and faithful son of the country.

Kim Jong Il was the gifted statesman, wise strategist, world-renowned thinker who devoted himself to leading the Korean people to prosperity based on transparent life principle and faith. Such a great man passed away.

His whole life has been dedicated to the cause of building a great socialist state and orientated to the creation for the victory of peace and justice and people's wellbeing.

He has been sincerely loved by all the progressive humankind for his loyalty to the idea of freedom and humanitarianism.

Being faithful to his post, Comrade Kim Jong Il displayed his personality as a general and an outstanding state activist recognized by the world.

He preserved peace and stability under all the critical circumstances created on the DPRK due to world imperialism and ensured steady victory.

Under the leadership of Comrade Kim Jong Il, the DPRK turned into a full-fledged nuclear weapons state and its military and economic potentials have increased.

The Korean People's Army, securing its position, has become the champion of peace in the Northeast Asian region. It is preserving the sovereignty and independence of the DPRK.

Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un,

We express deep condolences to you and all the Korean people.

We are sharing profound sorrow with you.