G. Debarajan, secretary of the Central Committee of the All-India Forward Bloc, said in a statement that he was looking back upon the immortal exploits performed by Kim Jong Il in accomplishing the cause of global independence on the threshold of Dec. 17.

He went on:

Comrade Kim Jong Il made a great contribution to ensuring peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in the rest of the world.

It is his greatest exploit that he defended socialism from every move for aggression by the imperialists including the U.S.

Korean socialism serves as a beacon of hope for the progressives standing against the imperialists.

Guy Dupre, president of the France-Korea Friendship Association, said:

Leader Kim Jong Il successfully carried forward the idea and cause of President Kim Il Sung.

He firmly defended socialism and national dignity and made tireless efforts for turning the DPRK into a powerful country.

He turned the Workers' Party of Korea into the general staff of the Korean revolution and a dignified and powerful party which defends the people's interests and enjoys their absolute support and trust and the Korean People's Army into the invincible revolutionary armed forces.

Guy Dupre praised Kim Jong Il's exploits for national reunification.