Present at the meeting were members of Hanthongryon, officials of Koreans organizations, Koreans in Japan and Japanese figures.

Son Hyong Gun, chairman of Hanthongryon, said in a speech that Hanthongryon has carried on its activities for independence, democracy and reunification despite great difficulties for 40 years since its formation.

Referring to the evermore deteriorating situation on the Korean Peninsula, he called for waging a dynamic struggle to make the south Korean conservative regime step down through the unity of patriotic forces.

Congratulatory and solidarity messages from north, south and overseas organizations were read out.

Speeches were followed by speeches evincing resolutions.

A meeting was followed by a congratulatory event.

The speakers said the main goal of Hanthongryon is to achieve the reunification of the country, calling upon the Koreans in Japan to do their best to bring a reunified country by thoroughly implementing the June 15 joint declaration and the October 4 declaration.

The participants watched a video "Scenes showing footprints of independence, democracy and national reunification."