The participants laid flower baskets and bouquets before a full-length painting of Kim Il Sung standing together with leader Kim Jong Il and portraits of the smiling leaders before paying tribute to them.

Pak Kyong Ho, chairman of the confederation, lauded Kim Il Sung as the most outstanding statesman in the 20th century and the tender-hearted father of the people.

Kim Il Sung was an iron-willed commander who defeated two imperialisms in one generation and the great leader of the people who dedicated his all to the happiness of the people and the reunification of the country, Pak noted, and went on:

All the compatriots and world progressives miss the President very much because his idea and feats are great.

Ju Yong Il, chairman of the "Old Men" Association for Korean Cultural Tradition in Uzbekistan, recalled that the President had always showed profound loving care for the overseas compatriots, adding: I can never forget the benevolent image of the President, who cordially met the compatriots visiting their homeland.

Though the President passed away, he will always live in the hearts of the compatriots and the world progressives for his great idea, immortal exploits and noble personality.