Congratulatory Message to Kim Jong Il from CPC Central Committee

   Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il received a congratulatory message from the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China Friday on the occasion of the February holiday.
    The message said:
    Please accept our warmest and sincerest congratulations to you on your birthday on behalf of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese people.
    Under your leadership the Korean party and people have achieved fresh successes in the cause of building Korean-style socialism through self-reliance and fortitude and in single-minded unity.
    We are rejoiced over this and convinced that the Korean people will surely register greater steady success in carrying out a series of causes for economic and social progress under the leadership of the Workers' Party of Korea headed by you.
    It is in line with the common desire and fundamental interests of the two parties, two countries and two peoples to steadily consolidate and develop the Sino-Korean friendly and cooperative relations.
    We are convinced that the Sino-Korean friendly and cooperative relations will surely make steady fresh progress under the care of the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries and thanks to the joint efforts of both sides and bring happiness to the two peoples.
    At this auspicious hour when we greet your birthday we wholeheartedly wish you a long and healthy life and steady fresh success in accomplishing the cause of building a great prosperous powerful nation by leading the Korean people.


Congratulations to Kim Jong Il from Russian President

   Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il received a congratulatory message from Russian President V. Putin on Friday on the occasion of the February holiday.
    The message said:
    Russia appreciates your great contribution to the development of the good-neighborly and cooperative relations between the two countries.
    It is with deep emotion that I recollect my meetings with you in Pyongyang, Moscow and Vladivostok.
    It is my belief that the friendly relations in different fields of Russia and the DPRK will steadily grow stronger in line with the principles laid down in the treaty adopted on 9th of February, 2000 and thus contribute to the cause of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the Asian and Pacific region.
    Please accept my best wishes for your good health and success in your activities for the welfare of the Korean people.


Banquet Given on Birthday of Kim Jong Il

   Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- The Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and the National Defence Commission of the DPRK gave a banquet at the People's Palace of Culture Friday on the occasion of the birthday of Kim Jong Il.
    Present there were senior Party, army and state officials, a chairman of friendly party, members of the Cabinet, leading officials of party, armed forces and power organs, public organizations, ministries and national institutions, anti-Japanese revolutionary fighters, former unconverted long-term prisoners who are pro-reunification patriotic fighters, officials of scientific, educational, cultural and art, public health and media institutions, heroes and men of merits.
    Also on hand were members of a congratulatory group of the Central Committee of the Anti-Imperialist National Democratic Front and a congratulatory group of Koreans in Japan and other congratulatory groups of overseas Koreans' organizations from different regions and overseas compatriots. Present on invitation were diplomatic envoys of different countries, stuff members of foreign embassies here and representatives of international organizations here and other foreign guests.
    Kim Yong Nam, member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK and president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, said at the banquet that Kim Jong Il's birth was a great auspicious event of the nation which guaranteed a bright future in carving out the destiny of the Korean people and accomplishing the revolutionary cause of Juche.
    He further said:
    This historic day made it possible for the Korean people to open a new era of the Juche revolution and bring the present proud reality, in which a great heyday of socialist Korea is being ushered in, by faithfully carrying forward and developing the cause of independence against imperialism and the cause of building a rich and powerful country started by President Kim Il Sung.
    Kim Jong Il has performed the undying precious feats in the struggle for the Korean people's cause of independence and the prosperous development of the country by regarding it as his life-long noble mission to accomplish the revolutionary cause pioneered by the President and leading the WPK and the revolution.
    The dawn of reunification is breaking on this land recording over 60 years of division and the authority and dignity of the WPK and the DPRK have been remarkably elevated in the international arena thanks to the might of the Songun policy, the genuine patriotic policy and the policy of independence pursued by Kim Jong Il.
    His guidance guarantees the victory of the Korean revolution and the bright future of socialist Korea which will prosper forever. This is the rockfirm faith and will of the Korean people.
    All the Party members, servicepersons and people will hold him in high esteem, reach a high eminence of building a great prosperous powerful socialist nation and accomplish the historic cause of national reunification without fail.


Joint Congratulatory Message to Kim Jong Il

   Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- The Central Committee and the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea, the National Defence Commission, the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly and the Cabinet of the DPRK presented a joint congratulatory message to Kim Jong Il Friday on the occasion of the February holiday.
    Your birth as the son of guerrillas in Mt. Paektu, the holy mountain of the revolution, at a time when the national liberation was dawning upon the country was a great fortune of the nation as it promised a bright future of Juche Korea and an event of world historic significance that opened up a bright prospect in carrying out the human cause of independence, the message said, and continued:
    It is thanks to this great auspicious event in February in which the nation greeted the peerlessly great man that there are the invincible Workers' Party of Korea and the Korean People's Army that have steadfastly carried forward the tradition of the Songun revolution and socialist Korea today which demonstrates its dignity as a matchless powerful country which no power dares provoke.
    You, possessed of gifted quality and outstanding trait, have wisely led the Korean revolution and the human cause of independence for more than half a century, performing immortal feats on behalf of the country and the people, the times and history.
    It is the unchangeable faith and will of the entire Party and army and all the people to dynamically advance along the road of revolution despite rain or snow under your guidance, entrusting all their destinies to you who are a symbol of all victories and glory of Songun Korea and represent the future.
    All the Party members, KPA servicepersons and people will resolutely defend your great idea and matchless leadership authority and consolidate the single-minded unity of the revolutionary ranks centered around the headquarters of the revolution as firm as a rock, regarding it as an eternal banner of life and struggle to devotedly protect the leader.
    We servicepersons and people will hold fast to your great Songun idea and leadership as unshakable guidelines and lifeline and fully materialize your grandiose plan and intention in all fields of the revolution and construction.
    All the Party members and other working people will further intensify the drive to effect a great surge in the Songun revolution in the spirit of Taechon which you instilled into them, and glorify this significant year marking several greatest national holidays as a year of a great change as it will witness the advent of a new era of prosperity for socialist Korea.


Congratulations to Kim Jong Il from C.C., AINDF

   Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il received a congratulatory message from the Central Committee of the Anti-Imperialist National Democratic Front (AINDF) Friday on his birthday.
    The message said: Your birth as a bright star over Mt. Paektu in the grim period when the preparations were under way to achieve the final victory in the anti-Japanese war was a great fortune for the Korean nation as it got it blessed with the illustrious leaders generation after generation and a historical event to be specially recorded because it fully guaranteed the eternal prosperity of Kim Il Sung's nation and a bright future of the era of Juche.
    Under the guidance of you, the supreme incarnation of loyalty and sense of obligation, the homeland of Juche witnessed the advent of a new era of perpetuating the memory of President Kim Il Sung for the first time in history and it could loudly beat the drum of victory in the struggle for defending socialism by smashing the unprecedented moves of the imperialist allied forces to isolate and stifle the DPRK and bring about a signal turn in building a great prosperous powerful nation.
    Through your energetic Songun revolutionary leadership, in particular, you have turned the homeland of Juche into a power having nuclear deterrent for self-defence and made the Korean nation emerge a nuclear weapons nation which no force can ever provoke. This was a special great event which occupies a most brilliant page in the nation's history spanning 5,000 years as it meant the realization of the Koreans' cherished desire to see an invincible power and a great deed of historic significance to be praised by all the generations to come.
    The pro-reunification patriotic forces at home and abroad are now glorifying the June 15 era of reunification by waging a nation-wide struggle to meet the blatant challenge of the anti-reunification forces and shatter their obstructive machinations and the movement for national reconciliation and unity and cooperation is gaining in scope and strength in various fields. All this is a shining fruition of your wise leadership.
    The message evinced the resolution of the AINDF to further intensify the struggle for independence against the U.S., a struggle to hasten the final victory in the confrontation with the U.S. and decisively frustrate the plot of the anti-reunification conservative forces to return to power and thus surely usher in a heyday in the cause of independent national reunification in this significant year.


Kim Jong Il's Work Published in Kirgyzstan

   Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Il's famous work "The Juche Philosophy Is an Original Revolutionary Philosophy" was brought out in booklet by the Yvsh-Ata Publishing House of Kirgyzstan.
    The work, published on July 26, Juche 85 (1996), deals with the limitations of the time when the preceding philosophy was enunciated and the originality of the Juche philosophy. It also clarifies the idea that the Juche philosophy serves as the revolutionary and political philosophy of the Workers' Party of Korea and the principled matters arising in the study and explanation of the Juche philosophy.
    A ceremony of publishing the work was held on the spot on Feb. 9.


Decision of "Int'l Kim Il Sung Prize" Council Hailed in India

   Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- Meetings were held by the Juche Idea Study Society of Delhi, India, and the Indian Youth Group for the Study of Works of Comrade Kim Il Sung on Feb. 8 and 12 to support the decision of the "International Kim Il Sung Prize" Council on awarding "International Kim Il Sung Prize" to Kim Jong Il.
    The decision was informed at the meetings.
    B. C. Gupta, chairman of the society, said in a speech at the meeting that Kim Jong Il enjoys deep respect of the world progressive people for his great devotion and efforts for the independent development of humankind and the noble virtues with which he takes warm care of the people, regarding them as his God.
    The secretary general of the group, said in a speech that the decision reflected the unanimous desire of the world progressive people, adding: Kim Jong Il is an outstanding statesman leading the struggle of the world progressives for independence to victory and the benevolent father of the people.
    A congratulatory message to Kim Jong Il was adopted at the meeting held by the society.


Foreigners Feted

   Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- The DPRK government hosted a reception in honor of the visiting personages of the "International Kim Il Sung Prize" Council and Juche idea study organizations at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Feb. 15.
    Present there on invitation were Vishwanath, secretary general of the "International Kim Il Sung Prize" Council, Alva Chavez, member of the council, Kenichi Ogami, director-general of the International Institute of the Juche Idea, Takao Kamakura, adviser of the National Liaison Council of the Japan Society for Study of Kim Jong Il's Works, and E. Maksim, executive chairman of the Mongolian Mt. Paektu Association for Independent Development.
    On hand were Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Rim Hoe Song, vice-chairman of the Korean Social Scientists Society, and other officials concerned.
    Kim Yong Nam said at the reception: Kim Jong Il was awarded the "International Kim Il Sung Prize" on the occasion of the February holiday. This is an expression of the ardent desire and boundless reverence of the "International Kim Il Sung Prize" Council and the progressive humankind absolutely trusting and following him who has successfully carried forward the revolutionary cause of Juche started in Mt. Paektu and led the cause of global independence to victory.
    It gives great pleasure to the army and people of the DPRK ushering in a great heyday of Songun Korea full of confidence in victory, closely rallied around Kim Jong Il, he said, hoping that the council would achieve greater success in its work.
    Vishwanath said that it is the highest honor of the members of the council and the world progressive people to have awarded the "International Kim Il Sung Prize" to Kim Jong Il on the occasion of his birthday.
    Kim Jong Il, he said, is wisely leading not only the Korean people but also the world progressive people in their efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous, new world.
    He expressed the belief that under the distinguished leadership of Kim Jong Il the Korean people would achieve greater success in their efforts to build a great prosperous powerful socialist nation and reunify the country.


Congratulations to Kim Jong Il from Chongryon Central Standing Committee

   Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il received a congratulatory message from the Central Standing Committee of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) on Friday.
    The message said that it is the greatest fortune of Tangun's nation and the most auspicious holiday in human history that Kim Jong Il was born as the bright star over Mt. Paektu, shouldering the prospect of the revolutionary cause of Juche in the historic period when the dawn of Korea's liberation was broken under the distinguished Songun revolutionary leadership of President Kim Il Sung.
    You, who broke the dawn of a great prosperous powerful nation, going through grim ordeals beyond human imagination, are the peerlessly great man, the supreme incarnation of love for the country and the people and the supreme defender of socialism, it noted, and went on:
    From the very day when you embarked on the road of the honorable struggle for carrying forward and accomplishing the revolutionary cause of Juche, you have worked heart and soul to develop Chongryon into an overseas Koreans' organization of Juche type. At every stage of history you have wisely led it to always display its honor of being the forerunner in the world history of overseas compatriot movement as required by the changed situation and the times.
    All the Chongryon officials and other Korean residents in Japan will remain intensely loyal to your idea and leadership, no matter which way the wind may blow, and strengthen Chongryon into an eternal organization of yours.
    They will reliably protect Chongryon, founded by the President and led by you, from the heinous suppression by the Japanese right-wing reactionaries.
    We will resolutely defend our socialist homeland and make tangible contribution to building an economic power and carry through the three-point task of attaching importance to the nation, defending peace and achieving unity to actively join in the nationwide June 15 reunification movement.
    Chongryon will decisively boost its external activities to widely introduce the greatness of your Songun leadership and raise from among the world people of broad strata the voice of support and solidarity with the just struggle of Chongryon.


Kimjongilia Exhibitions Open in Provinces

   Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- Kimjongilia exhibitions were opened in provinces of the DPRK on the occasion of the February holiday.
    On display at the exhibitions in Pyongyang and South Hamgyong, North Phyongan and North Hamgyong provinces are potted Kimjongilias officials and working people beautifully and sincerely cultivated with deep reverence and best wishes for Kim Jong Il who has put the position of the DPRK on the highest level to demonstrate its dignity and might with his outstanding idea, distinguished leadership art and peculiar political ability.
    The flowers of the sun potted in the exhibitions in North Hwanghae, Ryanggang, South Hwanghae, Jagang, South Phyongan and Kangwon provinces represent the steadfast faith and will of the Korean people to absolutely trust in and follow Kim Jong Il, the illustrious commander, only and make a long journey of the Songun revolution led by him to the last.
    Ceremonies of opening the exhibitions were held on the spots.


Reception Given for Military Attaches Corps

   Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- The Ministry of the People's Armed Forces hosted a reception for the military attaches corps here on Thursday on the occasion of the birthday of Kim Jong Il.
    Present on invitation there were members of the corps.
    Vice Marshal of the Korean People's Army Kim Il Chol, minister of the People's Armed Forces, general officers and officers of KPA were on hand.
    Kim Il Chol in a speech said that the birth of Kim Jong Il as the son of Mt. Paektu was a historic event which provided a sure guarantee for carrying forward and accomplishing the Songun revolutionary cause of Juche started by President Kim Il Sung.
    He stressed that the KPA will as always continue to develop the friendly and cooperative relations with armies of different countries in the course of protecting peace and security of the world including Northeast Asia under the slogan of peace against imperialism.
    Chinese Military, Air and Naval Attache Yang Xilian, doyen of the military attaches corps, hoped that the heroic army and people of the DPRK would achieve fresh successes in the drive to build a great prosperous powerful nation in response to the tasks set forth by the joint New Year editorial, holding high the banner of Songun, closely rallied around the Workers' Party of Korea headed by Kim Jong Il.
    The members of the military attaches corps will work hard to strengthen the friendship, cooperation and exchange with the KPA, he added.


Evening Gala Held to Celebrate February 16

   Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- The Ministry of the People's Armed Forces hosted an evening gala at Jonsung Square on Thursday evening on the occasion of the February holiday.
    Present there were senior officials of the ministry and servicepersons.
    The participants dynamically danced to the tune of songs including "Congratulations on February Holiday" and "The General Is the Son of Guerrillas," carrying warm congratulations and heartfelt thanks to Supreme Commander Kim Jong Il.
    Dancing to the tune of such songs as "Let's Sing of Our Pride in Being under the Guidance of the General," "Our General Is Best" and "My Happiness in the Bosom of the Respected General", they keenly felt the great honor and pride of displaying the might of the driving force of the Songun revolution led by the invincible brilliant commander who has glorified the dignity of Kim Il Sung's Korea with his prominent Songun politics and trained the Korean People's Army into an elite revolutionary strong army.
    They also danced to the tune of such light songs as "Worthwhile Life of Soldier" and "Arirang for Prosperity", full of optimism and vigor as befitting creators of the revolutionary soldier culture, whipping up gala atmosphere.
    Dancing to the tune of the song "We Will Defend the Headquarters of Revolution with Our Lives," all the participants hardened their determination to become the O Jung Hup-led 7th Regiment of today and heroes of Ri Su Bok type in the Songun era to devotedly defend the Supreme Commander and remain true to the Songun revolutionary leadership of the Workers' Party of Korea and thus honor the glorious history and traditions of the revolutionary strong army of Mt. Paektu in the general advance of significant this year.


Chinese Ambassador Arranges Friendship Meeting

   Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Liu Xiaoming arranged a friendship meeting at the embassy on Feb. 15 on the occasions of the birthday of Kim Jong Il and the New Year's Day.
    Present there on invitation were Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Vice Marshal of the Korean People's Army Kim Yong Chun, chief of the KPA General Staff, and officials concerned.
    Noting that the Korean people achieved fresh successes in socialist construction with the might of single-minded unity under the leadership of General Secretary Kim Jong Il and the Workers' Party of Korea last year, the ambassador in a speech said that the Chinese people are sincerely rejoiced over the achievements.
    He referred to the fact that China and the DPRK have directed continued efforts to the development of the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between the two parties and two countries under the deep care of General Secretary Hu Jintao and General Secretary Kim Jong Il.
    It is the unshakable policy of the Chinese party and government to steadily develop the Sino-Korean friendly and cooperative relations, he said, stating that they will, together with the Korean comrades, strive to develop the relations in the spirit agreed upon by the top leaders of the two countries.
    Choe Thae Bok, secretary of the WPK Central Committee, in his speech said it is an expression of the Chinese comrades' deep reverence for Kim Jong Il and the Chinese people's warm friendship toward the Korean people that they have joined the Korean people in celebrating their greatest national holiday and the New Year's Day.
    He recalled that the DPRK-China friendship, which took its roots deep in minds of the two peoples, standing trials of history, has been invariably developed on good terms.
    Thanks to the deep care of the top leaders of the two countries and the joint efforts of both sides, the traditional bilateral friendship will continue to grow stronger, bringing the flower garden of friendship into full bloom, he said.


State Symphony Orchestra Gives Performance

   Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- A performance for celebrating February 16 was given by the State Symphony Orchestra at the Moranbong Theatre on Thursday.
    Put on the stage of the performance, which began with the fourth movement "Glory to General Kim Jong Il" of the symphony suite "Long Journey for Songun Leadership", were such numbers as orchestras "Thunder on Jong Il Peak," "The Sound of a Horse's Hooves in Mt. Paektu," "General Star," "Rich Harvest Comes to the Chongsan Plain" and "Don't Advance, Night of Pyongyang" and a bass solo "My Blessed Life."
    Through solemn orchestra melodies, the performers successfully represented the mind of the Korean army and people highly praising the sacred Songun leadership exploits of Kim Jong Il and the strong spirit of them who have turned out in the honorable struggle to accomplish the cause of Juche full of confidence.
    The performance was appreciated by senior party, army and state officials, members of the Cabinet, leading officials of working people's organizations, ministries and national institutions and working people in the city of Pyongyang.
    Among the audience were also congratulatory groups and delegations of overseas compatriots from different regions of the world, including the congratulatory group of Koreans in Japan, and other overseas compatriots who came to the homeland to celebrate the significant February holiday.


Foreign Diplomats Visit Area of Mt. Paektu

   Samjiyon, February 15 (KCNA) -- The foreign diplomatic corps and representatives of international organizations here visited the area of Mt. Paektu from Feb. 13 to 15 on the occasion of the birthday of Kim Jong Il.
    The guests went to the Samjiyon Grand Monument and laid a floral basket and bouquets before the statue of President Kim Il Sung before paying tribute to him, expressing their boundless reverence for him who achieved the historic cause of Korea's liberation by leading the hard-fought anti-Japanese war to a brilliant victory.
    Then they went round groups of sculptures on the subsidiary theme symbolic of the revolutionary traditions of Juche, being briefed on the monument.
    The next leg of their visit was the secret camp in Mt. Paektu, the holy place of revolution.
    They posed for a photograph in front of the old home of Kim Jong Il in the secret camp in Mt. Paektu.
    Secretary of the People's Bureau of Libya Bashir Ramadan Khalifa Abu Janah who is doyen of the foreign diplomatic corps said that his visit to the area of Mt. Paektu offered him an opportunity to know well what arduous anti-Japanese armed struggle Kim Il Sung waged to liberate Korea after starting the Korean revolution.
    Mongolian Ambassador to the DPRK Janchivdorjyn Lomvo expressed the belief that the DPRK led by Kim Jong Il would throw its rays as a great prosperous powerful nation in the near future.
    Russian Ambassador to the DPRK Valery Sukhinin noted that his tour of revolutionary battle sites and revolutionary sites in the area of Mt. Paektu helped him know well about the undying feats of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il and how deeply the Korean people revere their leaders and how loyally they uphold them.
    The guests also visited the Monument to the Victorious Battle of Musan Area, the Samjiyon Schoolchildren's Palace, the Paektu Hall and the area of Samjiyon town which has changed into a land of bliss in the Songun era.


Foreign Guests Meet in Secret Camp in Mt. Paektu

   Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- Delegations and delegates of international organizations and friendship and solidarity organizations of countries and regions of the world visited the secret camp in Mt. Paektu on Thursday on the occasion of the birthday of Kim Jong Il.
    They laid a floral basket and bouquets in the name of the foreign visitors to the secret camp before the mosaic depicting the three generals of Mt. Paektu standing in the secret camp.
    Being briefed on the fact that Kim Jong Il was born and spent his childhood, hearing the sound of gun-fire during the anti-Japanese war, the guests looked round the relics at the old home of Kim Jong Il in the secret camp with keen interest.
    On the same day the foreign guests had a meeting in front of the old home.
    Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Acting Chairman of the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries Mun Jae Chol who is chairman of the Korean Committee for Solidarity with the World Peoples, joined them in visiting the secret camp in Mt. Paektu and attended the meeting.
    Manju Ratna Sakya, chairman of the Nepal Journalist Association, said in his speech at the meeting that Kim Jong Il is highly praised and deeply respected by all peoples as the sun of the 21st century, adding that the future of mankind is bright and rosy as it is led by him.
    Poet Ku Hui Chol who is winner of "Kim Il Sung Prize" and Noboru Kameda, representative of the Japan-DPRK Cultural Society, recited their impromptu poems.
    Trotsky Serano, president of the Canar Provincial Institute for the Friendship and Solidarity with the DPRK of Ecuador, noted in his speech that the 21st century would be an independent and peaceful century thanks to Kim Jong Il, adding that the feelings of the world's progressive people revering him would remain unchangeable despite the flow of time.
    Mun Jae Chol, in a congratulatory speech, expressed thanks to the foreign friends for having voiced positive support and solidarity to the Korean people in their Songun revolutionary cause. A letter to Kim Jong Il was adopted at the meeting.


February 16, Holiday Common to Humankind

   Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- The Korean people and the world progressives are significantly celebrating the birthday (February 16) of Kim Jong Il as a holiday common to the humankind.
    The celebration functions are replete with boundless reverence of the Korean people for him.
    There were colorful events including the 11th Kimjongilia Festival, an oath-taking rally to celebrate the Feb. 16 at the secret camp in Mt. Paektu, a ten-day film show, national photo exhibition, national fine art exhibition, joint performance of the art groups of the ministries and national institutions, visit to the revolutionary battle sites and historic sites. They fully demonstrated the infinite reverence of the Korean servicepersons and people for the illustrious commander of Mt. Paektu Kim Jong Il and their firm faith and will to carry the revolutionary cause of Juche to the accomplishment under his Songun leadership.
    His birthday is also celebrated by the world progressives as an auspicious holiday.
    On the occasion of February 16, congratulatory messages, floral baskets and gifts were sent to him by heads of party and state and political and public figures of various countries. Among them are the president of Russian Federation, Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, president of the Arab Republic of Syria who is concurrently the regional secretary of the Baath Arab Socialist Party and the president of the People's Democratic Republic of Laos who is concurrently the general secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the secretary general of the "International Kim Il Sung Prize" Council, organizations of China and families of those who are related to the anti-Japanese revolutionary struggle.
    The "International Kim Il Sung Prize" Council decided to award "International Kim Il Sung Prize" to him and the Federation of Peace and Friendship Organizations of Mongolia an order "Star of Friendship".
    Preparatory committees to celebrate the Feb. 16 were formed in more than 40 countries and Oceanic region including Russia, Bangladesh, Denmark, Uganda and the U.S.
    The world progressives have been organizing colorful activities for lauding his ideas, theories and Songun leadership exploits and widely propagating them.


Papers Observe February Holiday

   Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- Papers here today dedicate editorials to the birthday of Kim Jong Il.
    Rodong Sinmun in an editorial titled "Let us give fuller play to dignity and spirit of Songun Korea with might of single-minded unity" says socialist Korea of Juche led by Kim Jong Il is the motherland, which is the cradle of the Korean people's life and happiness.
    The cause of building a great prosperous powerful nation of Juche, the life-long desire of President Kim Il Sung, has greeted a new heyday under the tested leadership of Kim Jong Il, the editorial notes, and goes on:
    Kim Jong Il has considered the principle of independence clarified by the Juche idea as a basis and starting point in working out any policy and planning any project to build the country and it is the iron rule to govern his guidance to the revolution to defend the country and attach importance to the nation. It was thanks to his wise leadership that the line of building a rich and powerful country, independent in politics, self-supporting in economy and self-reliant in defence, has been firmly upheld generation after generation and the Workers' Party of Korea has developed into a party transparent in the faith in independence and the Korean people have displayed their dignity as a people with strong national self-respect.
    Born as the son of guerrillas in Mt. Paektu, he grew up with arms. He set a brilliant example in defending the country and building the country under the uplifted banner of Songun on the forefront of the fiercest struggle against imperialism and the U.S. It was thanks to his immortal history of Songun revolutionary activities that the People's Army has grown to be an invincible revolutionary army of Mt. Paektu and the DPRK has turned into an impregnable fortress.
    He has made endless journeys for Songun leadership, the road of his patriotic dedication, guided by his noble view on the future that one should live for tomorrow, not for today. It was against this backdrop that the revolutionary soldier spirit and the Kanggye spirit were created, the torch of Ranam and the torch of Songgang kindled and an epochal phase was provided for the building of a great prosperous powerful nation.
    We have the foundation solid enough to reach a new eminence of grandeur and prosperity and a national power strong enough to settle by ourselves any issue arising in defending the socialist country and building an economic power.
    Our dignified socialist country is the most precious gain of the Korean revolution and a cradle of eternal happiness. The highly dignified Songun Korea throwing its bright rays all over the world guarantees the immense pride and honor of the Korean people and the prosperity of the generations to come.
    A country and nation can never protect and glorify their honor and dignity automatically.
    All the Party members, servicepersons and people should wage a dynamic struggle to give fuller play to the might of an ideological and military power and effect a great turn in building an economic power, cherishing deep in mind the great pride and self-confidence of living and making revolution in Songun Korea which is displaying its dignity as a powerful socialist nation of Juche.
    An editorial of Minju Joson notes that definite is the triumphant advance of the cause of building a great prosperous powerful nation and invincible is the revolutionary cause of Juche as they are led by Kim Jong Il.


Joint National Meeting of Korean Children's Union Organizations Held

   Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- The joint national meeting of Korean Children's Union organizations was held at the Taekwon-Do Hall Friday to celebrate the birthday of Kim Jong Il.
    Attending it were delegates of the provincial KCU organizations, KCU members in Pyongyang and schoolchildren joining the KCU.
    Present there on invitation were senior Party officials, war veterans and persons of merited service in Pyongyang.
    Kim Kyong Ho, first secretary of the Central Committee of the Kim Il Sung Socialist Youth League, in his report said that the birth of Kim Jong Il was a great fortune of Korea as it brought the bright future of the revolutionary cause of Juche.
    He added that thanks to the historic February, the Korean people and the KCU members were blessed with the illustrious leaders generation after generation and the Korean revolution has emerged victorious century after century, reliably preserving the traditions of Juche.
    He called upon all the KCU members to study hard to become honor students and foster the sense of organizational affairs and discipline and train themselves in a revolutionary way and thus, firmly prepare themselves as the genuine successors to the revolutionary cause of Juche, the revolutionary cause of Songun.
    Then followed an accession ceremony to the KCU.
    The schoolchildren joining the KCU entered the venue of the meeting. They made an admission oath before the KCU flag, led by anti-Japanese revolutionary fighter Ri Jong San.
    The senior officials, war veterans, youth league officials, persons of merited service tied red ties of the KCU around the necks of the schoolchildren joining the KCU and hanged KCU badges on their chests.
    Then, congratulatory speeches were made before a resolution poem "We are Songun children and February flowers" was recited.
    Present at the meeting were Choe Thae Bok, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, Kim Jung Rin, secretary of the C.C., the WPK, Kim Yong Jin, minister of Education, officials concerned and youth league officials.


DPRK Order Awarded to Foreigner

   Pyongyang, February 16 (KCNA) -- National Flag Order First Class of the DPRK was conferred on Kenichi Ogami, director-general of the International Institute of the Juche Idea.
    He has striven to disseminate and apply into the whole world the Juche idea fathered by President Kim Il Sung and enriched by Kim Jong Il.
    A ceremony of awarding the order took place at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Friday.
    Present there were Vice-President of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly Yang Hyong Sop, Chairman of the Korean Social Scientists Society Choe Sang Sun and officials concerned.
    On hand were Kenich Ogami and his party and the members of the delegation of the National Liaison Council of the Japan Society for Study of Kim Jong Il's Works headed by adviser Takao Kamakura.


Birthday of Kim Jong Il Celebrated by Koreans in Japan

   Tokyo, February 15 (KNS-KCNA) -- A meeting of Koreans in Japan to celebrate the birthday of Kim Jong Il was held at the Korean Cultural Hall in Tokyo on Feb. 15.
    Present at the meeting were So Man Sul, chairman of the Central Standing Committee of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon), Ho Jong Man, chief vice-chairman of the Chongryon Central Standing Committee, its vice-chairmen and others.
    So Man Sul in his report said that the revolutionary history of Kim Jong Il is the brilliant history of a great man born of Heaven as he has performed undying feats in carving out the destiny of the country and the nation and accomplishing the human cause of independence under the uplifted banner of the great Juche idea, the Songun idea.
    He referred to the fact that Kim Jong Il led the "Arduous March," the forced march to victory, thus turning adversity into favorable conditions in the period of stern ordeals when the destiny of the country and the nation was at the crossroads of life and death due to the imperialist reactionary forces' vicious political and economic offensive to stifle the DPRK and their moves for military aggression and as a result, the country emerged a political, ideological and military power.
    He continued:
    Our country's emergence as a full-fledged nuclear weapons state made it possible to beat back the foreign forces' aggression and interference and guarantee peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and enabled the Korean nation to appear a dignified and powerful nation which no one dares provoke.
    No one can block the dynamic advance of the history of the Korean nation for national reunification under the banner of the June 15 joint declaration.
    He called upon all the officials of Chongryon and Koreans in Japan to courageously smash the Japanese authorities' moves to crack down upon Chongryon and put spurs to the "six-month-long movement" to greet the 21st Congress of Chongryon slated to take place in May with shining successes in their patriotic work.
    A congratulatory message of the Chongryon Central Standing Committee to Kim Jong Il was adopted at the meeting.
    Then followed an art performance.


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Kim Jong Il recibe carta de felicitacion de Putin

   Pyongyang, 16 de febrero (ATCC) -- El Dirigente Kim Jong Il recibio una carta de felicitacion que con motivo de su cumpleanos, le dirigiera el dia 16 el Presidente de la Federacion Rusa Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin.
    La misiva senala:
    Rusia aprecia mucho el gran aporte de Usted al desarrollo de las relaciones de buena vecindad y cooperacion entre nuestros dos paises.
    Recuerdo con mucha emocion los encuentros con Ud. en Pyongyang, Moscu y Vladivostok.
    Estoy convencido de que las multilaterales relaciones amistosas entre Rusia y la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea se fortaleceran incesantemente conforme a los principios del tratado firmado el 9 de febrero de 2000 y contribuiran a la causa de la paz y la estabilidad de la Peninsula Coreana y la region de Asia y el Pacifico.
    Le deseo a Vd. buena salud y exitos en sus actividades para el bienestar del pueblo coreano.


Kim Jong Il recibe mensaje de felicitacion comun

   Pyongyang, 16 de febrero (ATCC) -- El Dirigente Kim Jong Il recibio un mensaje de felicitacion que en ocasion de su cumpleanos, le dirigieran el dia 16 a nombre comun el Comite Central y la Comision Militar Central, del Partido del Trabajo de Corea, el Comite de Defensa Nacional, el Presidium de la Asamblea Popular Suprema y el Consejo de Ministros, de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea.
    En aquel periodo en que se aproximaba la aurora de la restauracion de la patria sobre el territorio patrio de tres mil ri (1200 Km), el Dirigente Kim Jong Il nacio como hijo de la guerrilla en el Paektu, sagrado monte de la revolucion, lo cual fue una gran fortuna de la nacion que prometio el futuro maravilloso de la Corea del Juche y un evento historico de talla mundial que abrio el horizonte mas amplio de la causa de independencia de la humanidad, senala la misiva y prosigue:
    Gracias a ese dia de febrero tan jubiloso en que la nacion coreana acogio al gran hombre sin igual, se formaron nuestro partido y ejercito invencibles que dan firme continuidad al linaje de la revolucion del Songun (priorizacion militar) y se erigio la Corea socialista de hoy que exalta su dignidad como una potencia intocable para cualesquier fuerzas muy poderosas.
    Durante un medio siglo, con sus cualidades geniales y extraordinarias personalidades el Dirigente oriento sabiamente la revolucion coreana y la causa de independencia de la humanidad realizando asi inmortales hazanas ante la patria, el pueblo, la epoca y la historia.
    Todo el partido, todo el ejercito y todo el pueblo tienen la inconmovible conviccion y voluntad de fiar su destino en el Dirigente, simbolo de todas las victorias y glorias y futuro de la Corea del Songun, y avanzar con firmeza por el unico camino de la revolucion siguiendolo bajo cualesquier circunstancias.
    Todos los militantes del partido, oficiales y soldados del Ejercito Popular y los habitantes, al tomar por la eterna bandera de vida y lucha la defensa a ultranza al lider, defenderan firmemente la gran idea y la autoridad directiva del Dirigente y consolidaran mas compactamente la unidad monolitica de las filas revolucionarias, cuyo nucleo es la Direccion de la Revolucion.
    Nuestro ejercito y pueblo materializaran globalmente el gran proyecto y proposito del Dirigente en todos los dominios de la revolucion y la construccion tomando por firme guia y linea vital su gran idea y direccion del Songun.
    Todos los militantes del partido y trabajadores avivaran mas las llamas del gran auge revolucionario del Songun desplegando el temperamento de Thaechon infundido por el Dirigente y haran de este ano significativo con maximas fiestas nacionales un ano de grandes cambios en que se abrira una nueva era de prosperidad de la Corea socialista.


Kim Jong Il recibe mensaje de felicitacion del CC del PCCh

   Pyongyang, 16 de febrero (ATCC) -- El Dirigente Kim Jong Il recibio un mensaje de felicitacion que le enviara el dia 16 el Comite Central del Partido Comunista de China en ocasion de la fiesta (el dia 16) de febrero.
    La misiva senala:
    Con motivo de su cumpleanos, hacemos llegarle a Ud. la mas calurosa y sincera felicitacion, en representacion del PCCh y del pueblo chino.
    Bajo la direccion de Ud. el partido y el pueblo de Corea, unidos monoliticamente, se apoyaron en sus propias fuerzas, libraron una lucha tenaz y lograron nuevos exitos en la realizacion de la causa de la construccion socialista al estilo coreano.
    Nos regocijamos de ello y estamos convencidos de que el pueblo coreano, bajo la direccion del Partido del Trabajo de Corea encabezado por Ud., obtendria sin falta mayores exitos incesantes en el cumplimiento de una serie de labores para el desarrollo de la economia y de la sociedad.
    Consolidar y desarrollar constantemente las relaciones de amistad y cooperacion China-Corea conviene a la aspiracion comun e intereses fundamentales de los dos partidos, los dos paises y los dos pueblos.
    Ratificamos que bajo la atencion de los maximos dirigentes de los dos partidos y los dos paises y por los esfuerzos comunes de ambas partes, las relaciones de amistad y cooperacion China-Corea lograrian ciertamente incesante desarrollo nuevo y darian la felicidad a los pueblos de los dos paises.
    Aprovechamos este momento jubiloso en que acogemos el dia de nacimiento de Ud. para formular votos por su buena salud y longevidad y desearle que, al dirigir al pueblo coreano, logre nuevos exitos constantes en el cumplimiento de la causa para la construccion de la gran potencia prospera.


Encuentro de extranjeros en el campamento del monte Paektu

   Pyongyang, 16 de febrero (ATCC) -- Las delegaciones y delegados de las organizaciones internacionales y entidades de amistad y solidaridad de los paises y regiones de los cinco continentes del mundo visitaron la vispera el Campamento Secreto del Monte Paektu en ocasion del cumpleanos (16 de febrero) del Dirigente Kim Jong Il.
     Ante todo, ellos depositaron a nombre de los visitantes un cesto y ramos de flores ante el mural en mosaico de los tres generales del monte Paektu erguido en ese lugar.
     Guiados por una conferenciante, recorrieron con gran emocion los materiales historicos de la casa natal en este campamento donde el Dirigente crecio escuchando los canonazos de la guerra antijaponesa como cancion de cuna.
     Ese dia, los visitantes organizaron un encuentro en la explanada frente a la casa natal.
     Estuvieron presentes el vicepresidente del Presidium de la Asamblea Popular Suprema de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea, Yang Hyong Sop y el presidente del Comite Coreano de Solidaridad con los Pueblos del Mundo y presidente interino del Comite de Relaciones Culturales con el Extranjero, Mun Jae Chol.
     El presidente de la Asociacion de Periodistas de Nepal, Manju Ratna Sakya, senalo en su discurso que toda la humanidad venera y elogia a Su Excelencia Kim Jong Il como Sol del siglo 21 y anadio que por contar con el es amplio y prometedor el futuro de la humanidad.
     Seguidamente, el poeta laureado con el Premio Kim Il Sung, Ku Hui Chol, y el representante de la Sociedad Cultural Japon-Corea Noboru Kameda, recitaron sus poesias improvisadas.
     El presidente de la Asociacion de la provincia de Canar del Ecuador de Amistad y Solidaridad con la RPDC, Trotsky Serrano, menciono en su alocucion que por contar con su Excelencia Kim Jong Il, el siglo 21 sera una centuria independiente y pacifica y anadio que aunque pase mucho tiempo, no se cambiara la devocion de los pueblos progresistas del orbe hacia el.
     En su discurso de felicitacion, Mun Jae Chol expreso agradecimiento a los amigos extranjeros que enviaron irrestricto apoyo y solidaridad a la causa de la revolucion del Songun (priorizacion miliar) del pueblo coreano.
     En la ocasion fue aprobada una carta dirigida al Dirigente Kim Jong Il.