Pyongyang, December 23 (KCNA) -- Jo Il Min, chief of the Pyongyang Mission of the Anti-Imperialist National Democratic Front (AINDF), visited the Kumsusan Memorial Palace and observed a moment's silence before the bier of leader Kim Jong Il.

The vanguard fighters of AINDF and patriotic people in south Korea are finding it hard to repress their grief at the loss of Kim Jong Il who ushered in the heyday of independent reunification and peaceful prosperity, he said.

Kim Jong Il exerted his whole efforts to reunifying the country true to the behest of President Kim Il Sung, he said, adding his demise was like the bolt from the blue.

At this sad moment when mountains seemed to have changed their look and time stopped, the south Korean people are suffering from sorrowful pain, he said, adding:

Not only politicians, religionists, youths, students, workers and farmers but also housewives, the elderly and children are overwhelmed by the sad news.

These facts show the profound respect of the south Korean people for Kim Jong Il.

His demise is a tremendous loss to the nation and the bitterest grief of the humanity.

He, peerless great man, was like the sky to 70 million Koreans.

Thanks to his broad magnanimity and resolution and will befitting General of Mt. Paektu the historic Pyongyang summit could be provided and the June 15 joint declaration adopted.

The exploits performed by him by ushering in the new history of realizing the independent reunification with his unique Songun revolutionary leadership will be immortal.

The cause of national reunification is sure to be accomplished as there is Kim Jong Un, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea, identical to Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.