Pyongyang, December 24 (KCNA) -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon sent a condolence message to the government of the DPRK Friday on the demise of leader Kim Jong Il.

He, on behalf of all the UN organizations, expressed condolences once again to the government and people of the DPRK.

The people of the DPRK are looking forward to the future amid the sorrow at the loss of their leader, the message said.

Ban hoped that the people of the DPRK would make progress in their efforts to ensure peace, stability and development.

As UN secretary general, he reaffirmed his commitment to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

He also assured the continued support of all the UN organizations for the people of the DPRK.