Pyongyang, December 26 (KCNA) -- The Jaju Minbo of south Korea Monday sent a condolatory message over the demise of leader Kim Jong Il.

All members of the Jaju Minbo courteously express condolences on the demise of Kim Jong Il, chairman of the National Defence Commission, and extend deep sympathy carrying compatriotic feelings to the compatriots in the north in bitter grief, the message said.

He devotedly worked to achieve the national reunification through implementation of the June 15 joint declaration and the October 4 declaration, its action program, it noted, saying that his demise is bitter sorrow and a great loss to the Korean nation.

It hoped that the compatriots in the north would overcome the sorrow as soon as possible and display strength to rise up.