Oun Revolutionary Site
Pyongyang, August 18 (KCNA) -- The Oun Revolutionary Site is located in Oun-dong, Ryongsong district, Pyongyang.
In August Juche 51 (1962) General Secretary Kim Jong Il in his twenties had military camping there with his classmates. During the camping he displayed the distinguished military strategies, war methods, matchless grit and extraordinary commanding art of an illustrious commander born of heaven.
Since the revolutionary site was built in July Juche 68 (1979), it has been visited by people of various social strata from Pyongyang, north and south Phyongan provinces, north and south Hwanghae provinces, Kangwon Province, north and south Hamgyong provinces and all other areas of the country, overseas compatriots and foreigners, more than 7.1 million in all.
With the approach of the 40th anniversary of his camping, the site has recently been visited by many officials, servicemen, workers farmers, youth and students from the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces, Kim Il Sung Higher Party School, Kim Il Sung Political University, university of national economics, central botanical garden, Pyongyang Rice Mill, Phyongsong University of Education and many other institutions.
Anti-U.S. rally in S. Korea
Pyongyang, August 18 (KCNA) -- A rally was reportedly held in front of the U.S. 8th army base in Ryongsan on August 15, the 57th anniversary of Korean liberation, under the sponsorship of the all-people measure committee for Sin Hyo Sun and Sim Mi Son, schoolgirls killed by a U.S. armored car.
At the rally held to cherish the memory of the victims and regain the sovereignty, the participants unfolded a large U.S. flag above their heads and tore it to pieces, chanting "Yankees, Go Home" and other anti-U.S. slogans. They, singing the "Song For U.S. Forces' Pullout From South Korea," urged the transfer of criminal jurisdiction from the U.S. Forces, an open apology from Bush, amendments to the unequal south Korea-U.S. status of forces agreement and the withdrawal of the U.S. troops from south Korea.
Great masterpiece Arirang of 21st century
Pyongyang, August 18 (KCNA) -- The mass gymnastic and artistic performance Arirang, winner of "Kim Il Sung Prize", has been staged before capacity audiences for four months since its premiere was given on the day of the sun.
The work was created under the far-sighted plan, wise guidance and warm care of General Secretary Kim Jong Il.
The creating staff completed its script which consists of prologue, four sections, ten scenes and finale in a matter of two months. The performance is based on the Korean folk song Arirang reflecting the history of the Korean nation's sufferings.
It impressively tells how Arirang of prosperity came to resound through the country where only Arirang of sorrow could be heard in the past.
Artists finished in a matter of one month pictures presenting background scenes which represent the essential advantages of Korean-style socialism and confidence and will to build a powerful nation, floor and stage decorations and handicrafts and various other genres of art works required for meeting the ideological and thematic requirements.
Creators of gymnastic scenes succeeded in producing dynamic rhythms and large-scale formations to suit the new style of the extravaganza. Choreographers created many new graceful dances full of national emotion.
Acrobatic creators produced over 10 pieces including new aerial flight and aerial motorcycle stunt which make a free use of the vast space in the may day stadium.
Those in charge of stage setting introduced the extra-large slide and projection systems and huge screen, the first of their kinds in the world, and a new optical system. As a result, the brightness of the scenes was 1.5 times that in the past.
The performers ensured the first combined rehearsal of the work 40 odd days after the start of separate rehearsals. And they succeeded in completing the mass gymnastic and artistic performance as early as in over 90 days on the occasion of the day of the sun.
The performance was given more than 90 times before capacity audiences.
It was watched by over 4 million servicemen of the people's army, working people from all walks of life, school youth and children and delegations and tourist groups of more than 2,600 organizations from at least 70 countries and international organizations.
The performance is listed as a national treasure of Korea and the greatest masterpiece representing the 21st century as it makes a unique comprehensive representation of the bitter past of the Korean nation and its bright future.
U.S. urged to compensate for loss of electricity
Pyongyang, August 18 (KCNA) -- What is most urgent for preserving the DPRK-U.S. agreed framework is for the U.S. side to compensate for the DPRK's loss of electricity caused by the delayed provision of LWRs, says Rodong Sinmun today in a signed commentary.
The AF stands at the crossroads of abrogation or preservation due to the much delay in the provision of LWRs, its core point, which was caused by the u.s. unreasonable behavior, the commentary notes, and goes on:
By deliberately delaying the construction of LWRs, the United States has caused a huge loss of electricity to the DPRK and laid grave difficulties in its economy. This seriously threatens its right to existence.
The U.S. should clearly know that the key point in the implementation of the AF is not nuclear inspection but the issue of preserving the framework. This is the matter for which the DPRK and the U.S. should show greatest concern at present.
As for the issue of nuclear inspection, it would be settled automatically if the lwr construction progresses under the AF.
The DPRK is now at the final stage of implementing its commitments under the AF, but the U.S. still stands on the starting line.
The AF stipulates that the commitments of the two sides under it shall be implemented on the principle of simultaneous action and, accordingly, the U.S. has much to do at present. Hence, the DPRK will move if the U.S. does.
If the U.S. truly wants to preserve the AF and improve the relations with the DPRK, it should drop its hostile policy toward the latter, as required by the AF, and show its will in practice to compensate for the loss of electricity caused by the delayed provision of LWRs.
Greetings to Colombian foreign minister
Pyongyang, August 18 (KCNA) -- DPRK foreign minister Paek Nam Sun sent a message of greetings to Carolina Barco on his appointment as foreign minister of the Republic of Colombia.
Expressing belief that the friendly relations between the two countries would grow stronger, the message wished him great success in his responsible work.
Message of sympathy to President of Czech Republic
Pyongyang, August 18 (KCNA) -- Unprecedented downpour and flood hit Prague and other areas of the Czech Republic, causing a great human and material loss.
In this regard, Kim Yong Nam, President of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, sent a message of sympathy to Vaclav Havel, President of the Czech Republic, on Friday.
In the message Kim expressed deep sympathy and consolation to the president and the government of the Czech Republic and the people in the afflicted areas, upon hearing the sad news.
He hoped for success in their work to recover from natural disasters as soon as possible and bring the living of people in the afflicted areas to normal.