Pyongyang, December 21 (KCNA) -- Personages of Russia, Peru and Nicaragua Monday and Tuesday expressed deep condolences over the demise of leader Kim Jong Il.

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said:

"We cannot repress our sorrow over the sudden demise of Comrade Kim Jong Il. We share this bitter grief with the Korean people".

He expressed belief that the Korean people would overcome the present sorrow and rise up, remaining true to the leadership of Kim Jong Un, their supreme leader.

Genaro Ledesma Izquieta, chairman of the People's Front of Workers, Peasants and Students of Peru, said that the news of Kim Jong Il's demise was so sad. The members of the front and socialists of Peru are overcome with profound grief over the loss of the leader, he added.

Victor Oliva Miguel, general secretary of the Revolutionary Socialist Party of Peru, said the demise of Kim Jong Il is a great loss to them struggling for socialism.

Tani Baler Lopera, international secretary of the Communist Party of Peru "Red Motherland", said:

Though Kim Jong Il passed away, the feats he performed for the country's reunification and the cause of global independence will remain shining forever.