Pyongyang, December 22 (KCNA) -- The UN Secretary-General and senior officials of the UN Secretariat expressed deep condolences on the demise of leader Kim Jong Il.

The Secretary-General on Monday issued the following statement through his spokesperson:

The Secretary-General has learned that the leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Kim Jong Il, passed away.

The Secretary-General extends his sympathy to the people of the DPRK at this time of their national mourning.

The Secretary-General reaffirms his commitment to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. The United Nations system will continue to help the people of the DPRK. The Secretary-General is closely following the situation.

On Dec. 20, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, together with the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Executive Office of the Secretary-General and the Director of the Protocol Department paid a condolatory visit to the DPRK permanent mission at the UN.

They paid silent tribute to Kim Jong Il before his portrait.

The Deputy Secretary-General said that he expressed deep condolences on the demise of Kim Jong Il on behalf of the Secretary-General and the UN Secretariat.

He wrote in the mourners' book that he extended letters of sympathy on behalf of the UN to the Korean people in grief due to the demise of leader Kim Jong Il.

He hoped that Korea would advance toward peace and prosperity.

He affirmed that the UN would continue to help the Korean people.