Pyongyang, December 27 (KCNA) -- Memorial services were held in UK, Belarus, Mexico and Switzerland on Dec. 23 and 24 on the demise of leader Kim Jong Il.

They were attended by personages of political parties and organizations and masses of those countries.

The participants paid silent tribute to Kim Jong Il.

The chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Great Britain (Marxist-Leninist) said in his memorial speech that his demise is a greatest loss and sorrow not only to all the Koreans but to progressive mankind struggling against imperialism.

Jesus Antonio Carlos Hernandez, general secretary of the Central Committee of the People's Socialist Party of Mexico, noted in his memorial address that Kim Jong Il led the Korean and world revolution to victory for years, performing immortal exploits.

Martin Lotscher, chairman of the Switzerland-Korea Committee, said his lofty and august name and feats would always remain shining along with history and will be remembered by the world people forever.

A memorial service was held prior to the opening of the 28th "Golden Circus" International Circus Festival at the Tendastresce Circus Theatre in Rome. The family of Humberto Ortiz, general manager of the Voluntad Publishing House of Ecuador, also held a memorial service.