Pyongyang, December 27 (KCNA) -- Overseas compatriots paid respects to the bier of leader Kim Jong Il on Tuesday.

They were the delegation of officials of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon), the delegation of young officials of Chongryon, the delegation of officials of the Korean Democratic Women's Union in Japan, the delegation of Chongryon educational officials, the delegation of persons of literature and arts and sportspersons of Chongryon and the visiting group of the Federation of Koreans in Australia and the chairperson of the Unity Association of Koreans in Kazakhstan.

Wreaths in the name of the Federation of Koreans in Australia and the Unity Association of Koreans in Kazakhstan were laid.

They paid silent tribute to him in humblest reverence and went round his bier.

They made entries in the mourners' book.