Pyongyang, December 24 (KCNA) -- December 24, anniversary of leader Kim Jong Il as supreme commander of the Korean People's Army has been marked every year by 100 odd countries and regions for the past two decades.

Kim Jong Il assumed the heavy responsibility of the KPA supreme commander at the 19th Plenary Meeting of the 6th Central Committee of the WPK on Dec. 24, 1991. Just after this announcement it was widely reported by more than 700 news agencies, newspapers and radios including Xinhua and UPI.

The Indian paper Indian Times and other media of the world said it was an honor for the DPRK that Kim Jong Il held the important responsibility of KPA supreme commander.

A total of over 4,000 various political and cultural events were held in different parts of the five continents on the anniversary every year. They included events to hang portraits of Kim Jong Il, Kimjongilia exhibitions, meetings, exhibitions of books, photos and handicrafts and poem recital.

Robust publicity promotion has been made every year before and after the anniversary.

Works of Kim Jong Il and books praising him were brought out and books and anthologies published on the anniversary in various countries.

Political parties, organizations and regional and international institutions issued bulletins and posted articles praising his Songun leadership feats on their Internet homepages and at least 2 500 mass media of various countries carried special write-ups and televised Korean films, adding to the festive mood.