Pyongyang, December 22 (KCNA) -- The Bulgaria-Korea Friendship Association Monday issued a bulletin on the passing away of leader Kim Jong Il.

In an article titled "Comrade Kim Jong Il who devoted all his life to the people" the bulletin said:

Kim Jong Il, supreme leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, passed away on December 17 to our regret.

Upon hearing this sad news, we recollect again the career and feats of Kim Jong Il who dedicated his whole life to the people.

Under his wise leadership the DPRK turned into a modern and developed, prospering country where the principles of independence in politics, self-support in the economy and self-reliance in national defence are thoroughly applied.

He had made big efforts to the independent and peaceful reunification of Korea, which resulted in the adoption of the June 15 joint declaration and the October 4 declaration between the north and the south.

Under his leadership the DPRK made great achievements in the international relations, too.

He held higher the banner of independence under the complicated international situation.

He defended the socialist cause, thus giving great hope and confidence to the world progressives and clearly showing the road ahead of them.