The Korean people and the world progressives are to greet the 3rd anniversary of his demise on December 17, the president said, and went on:

Kim Jong Il was the great politician and strategist as he built the DPRK into a powerful state of single-minded unity and a nuclear power and the defender of justice and peace as he led the global cause of independence to victory.

The world progressives are still cherishing in their mind the venerable image and august name of Kim Jong Il who performed great exploits before the times, history and humankind.

Thanks to his independent politics and Songun policy the DPRK has emerged as a powerful and independent fortress standing against imperialism which no one dares provoke and has performed a guiding role in the struggle for global peace and security.

Now the DPRK is successfully carrying forward the idea, cause and behests of the preceding leaders under the tested leadership of Marshal Kim Jong Un, great Songun brilliant commander.

I pay high respect to Kim Jong Il on the occasion of the 3rd anniversary of his demise.