Pyongyang, December 23 (KCNA) -- Jo Myong Ji, chairwoman of the Central and Southern Regional Association of Koreans in America, made public an article on Thursday over the demise of leader Kim Jong Il.

The untimely demise of Kim Jong Il, chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK, greatly shocked and saddened the whole world, the article said.

Listening to news bulletins conveying the sad news of the demise of Chairman Kim Jong Il, we realized what great influence he had worldwide, it noted, and went on:

TV programs in the U.S. keep airing his image. They showed Kim Jong Il providing field guidance, the tenderhearted leader shaking hands of people to instill energy and courage into them, military parades demonstrating the powerful might of Songun politics and the people broking into cheers with pleasure and excitement, looking up to him. These scenes help the world people understand his personality.

Kim Jong Il devoted himself to the implementation of behests of President Kim Il Sung, the article noted, adding that he taught Koreans the awareness of national independence and paved the way for peaceful reunification through the June 15 joint declaration and the October 4 declaration.

Saying that Kim Jong Il enforced Songun politics, enabling the DPRK to emerge a powerful nuclear weapons state in the world arena and leading it to become the world's only country to stand up against the U.S., the article noted that such dignified diplomacy of Kim Jong Il was the pride and honor of the Korean nation.

The great exploits Kim Jong Il performed by consolidating the foundation for building a rich and powerful country through his dedication all his life will always remain shining in history, concluded the article.