Pyongyang, December 28 (KCNA) -- Committees were inaugurated in Belarus and Ukraine on Dec. 23 and 26 to mourn the passing of leader Kim Jong Il.

V. Chikin, chairman of the Permanent Standing Committee of the Belarus-DPRK National Friend Association Named after Kim Il Sung, was elected chairman of the committee in Belarus.

Nikolai Polishk, chairman of the Ukrainian "Treasured Sword of Songun" Association for the Study of the Juche Idea, was elected chairman of the committee in Ukraine.

The two committees decided to set a mourning period that ends on Thursday and stage colorful activities in the period.