Though leader Kim Jong Il passed away, his exploits for the country and people will remain forever, the statement said, adding:

In his lifetime he had made tireless efforts for the people's happiness, the building of a socialist power, the national reunification and the global independence.

He developed in depth the Songun idea founded by President Kim Il Sung and formulated it as a main political mode under socialism.

He made a great contribution to accomplishing the cause of the independent and peaceful reunification of Korea.

Thanks to his bold decision, the north-south summits took place, the June 15 joint declaration and the October 4 declaration were adopted and the era of reunification advancing under the idea of By the Korean Nation Itself was ushered in.

With his Songun politics, he defended peace on the Korean Peninsula and smashed the U.S. imperialists' provocation.

The Korean people and the world progressives are remembering him in boundless reverence on the occasion of Dec. 17.

We extend eternal glory to the great leader Kim Jong Il.