He said in the statement Kim Jong Il would always be remembered by the Koreans along with the banner of Songun as he defended the country and the nation by enforcing Songun politics in the most difficult period.

He went on: Kim Jong Il dedicated all his life to the prosperity of the country and happiness of its people.

He equipped his people with patriotism and devoted himself to the building of a thriving socialist nation.

He paved the way for national reunification through the adoption of the June 15 joint declaration and the October 4 declaration and made a great contribution to the human cause of independence.

The dear respected Kim Jong Un is identical to Kim Jong Il in ideology, leadership and personality.

All Korean people are united around Kim Jong Un as firm as a rock.

They are steadfastly carrying forward their leader's cause under the leadership of Kim Jong Un.

The Koreans in the north and the south and overseas will surely achieve the cause of independent national reunification, the desire of Kim Jong Il, when they inject fresh vitality into the movement for national reunification, united as one under the banner of the June 15 joint declaration and the October 4 declaration.