National Meeting Marks Kim Jong Il's Election as NDC Chairman

   Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- A national meeting was held at the April 25 House of Culture Sunday to celebrate the 14th anniversary of Kim Jong Il's election as chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission.
    Vice Marshal of the Korean People's Army Kim Il Chol, member of the NDC of the DPRK and minister of the People's Armed Forces, in a report said that the election of Kim Jong Il as the top leader of the state politics responsible for increasing the country's defence capacity and the state power as a whole provided the servicepersons and people of the DPRK with a sure guarantee for glorifying generation after generation President Kim Il Sung's idea of building self-reliant national defence forces and the exploits performed by him in the field and the cause of building a rich and powerful country and achieving the final victory of the Juche-oriented revolution.
    The reporter continued:
    The path of revolution covered by the DPRK, having Kim Jong Il at the head of its NDC, is a praiseworthy and proud one along which it has firmly defended Korean-style socialism of Juche, standing in confrontation with the U.S.-led imperialist allied forces single-handed and ushered in a dawn of a great prosperous powerful country on this land through world-startling tremendous creations and changes.
    It is under the Songun leadership of Kim Jong Il that an all-people and nationwide defence system has been reinforced and the social trait of attaching importance to the military affairs and the army prevails in the country, converting the whole country into an invulnerable fortress and augmenting the DPRK's military muscle to be stronger than ever before.
    No force on earth can match the army and people of the DPRK single-mindedly united around the headquarters of Songun revolution on the basis of their absolute trust in the leader. This single-minded unity represents a great symbol of the invincibility of Songun Korea dynamically advancing toward the high peak of a great prosperous powerful socialist nation despite worldwide great political upheaval and provides a sure guarantee for achieving the victory of the Juche revolution.
    The DPRK has legitimately ranked itself among the nuclear weapons states. This was a great victory of the Songun idea, the Songun revolutionary line of the Workers' Party of Korea and a praiseworthy historic event as it translated into reality the centuries-old desire of the nation to have national power strong enough not to allow anyone to dare provoke it and provided a fundamental guarantee for dynamically advancing the cause of building a great prosperous powerful socialist nation despite the imperialists' threat of a nuclear war and their moves for aggression.
    Kim Jong Il's Songun politics consistent with the principle of national independence and patriotism ushered in the June 15 era of reunification, an embodiment of the idea of "By our nation itself", and brought about a landmark phase in the movement for national reunification. It, at the same time, helped the DPRK exalt its dignity and prestige on the international arena higher than ever before and significantly boost the international solidarity with the Korean revolution.
    The reporter called for attaining a new target of building a great prosperous powerful socialist nation, stepping up the cause of national reunification and achieving the final victory of the Juche-based revolution, drawing on the victories and achievements of national historic significance made in the course of the great Songun revolution.
    The situation on the Korean Peninsula still remains tense due to the U.S. incessant military provocations, he said, and went on: The DPRK is following with a high degree of vigilance the reckless moves of the U.S., Japan and other hostile forces. Should anyone infringe upon the sovereignty and the dignity of the DPRK even a bit, the DPRK will sternly punish it with the matchless armed forces built under the Songun leadership.
    Present at the meeting were senior party, army and state officials.


Letter to Kim Jong Il from Secretary General of CILRECO

   Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- Guy Dupre, secretary general of the International Liaison Committee for Reunification and Peace in Korea (CILRECO), presented a letter to Kim Jong Il on Mar. 31 on behalf of the participants in the event to mark the 30th anniversary of the CILRECO and the year 2007 meeting of its Presidium held in Belgium.
    The letter said that the participants analyzed with keen attention the recent developments on the Korean Peninsula and highly praised the Korean people for having achieved great successes in the struggle to defend the sovereignty of the nation, make new progress in the cause of independent national reunification and safeguard the peace and security of Korea and the region under the wise leadership of Kim Jong Il.
    They decided to call on the progressive forces and peoples of the world to put sustained pressure upon the U.S. and remain highly vigilant against it till it honors and implements its commitments, the letter noted, and continued:
    The participants once again strongly denounced the hostile policy the U.S. has pursued towards the DPRK, thereby threatening the very existence of the Korean nation and the peace and security of the whole mankind.
    They reiterated their firm support and solidarity with the Korean people in the cause of reunification and peace of the country at the event held to mark the 30th anniversary of the CILRECO.
    It was in this spirit that the participants in the meeting of its Presidium decided to observe 2007 as a "year of international solidarity for the independent and peaceful reunification of Korea" and took specific measures to mobilize the forces supporting the Korean people's cause and encourage them to conduct more positive activities.
    It was also in this spirit that they decided to release an appeal to the governments, political parties and organizations of different countries and international and non-governmental organizations across the world and launch a widespread signature campaign demanding the immediate withdrawal of the U.S. troops from south Korea which has been under their continued illegal occupation.


Anniversary of CILRECO Marked

   Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- A function to mark the 30th anniversary of the foundation of the International Liaison Committee for Reunification and Peace in Korea (CILRECO) took place in Brussels on Mar. 31.
    An opening speech was made by Paulette Pierson, honorary chairman of the CILRECO. Introduced at the function then were congratulatory messages and letters from the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, the World Peace Council, the Women's International Democratic Federation, Juche idea study organizations and organizations for friendship and solidarity with the Korean people in different countries and regions.
    Guy Dupre, secretary general of the CILRECO, delivered a report at the function. On the occasion of marking the anniversary he referred to the historic feats performed by President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il in the struggle to defend the sovereignty of the country and put an end to the tragedy of national division.
    He gave a detailed account of the fact that over the last three decades the CILRECO has conducted positive activities in support of the Korean people's struggle for the independent reunification of the country and lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula. He also pointed to a series of measures taken by the CILRECO in denunciation of the human rights abuses committed in south Korea.
    Reaffirming the commitment made by the CILRECO three decades back to struggle on the side of the Korean people till Korea is reunified, he expressed hope that the Korean people's desire to live in an independent, peaceful and prosperous country would come true in the near future.
    Several personages made congratulatory speeches at the function.
    Videotape "For the Reunification and Peace of Korea" documenting major activities conducted by the CILRECO was shown to be followed by a reception.
    Present at the function were Presidium members of the CILRECO, figures of political parties and organizations from different countries including France, Denmark, Norway, Belgium and Algeria and representatives of regional and international bodies.
    Present there on invitation was the chief representative of the DPRK General Mission in France.


Presidium Meeting of CILRECO Held

   Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- The Presidium meeting of the International Liaison Committee for Reunification and Peace in Korea (CILRECO) was held in Belgium on Mar. 30 and 31.
    Present there were Presidium members of the CILRECO including honorary chairmen and the secretary general and representatives of political parties and organizations for friendship and solidarity with the Korean people in different countries including France, Britain, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, Algeria and India, representatives of international and regional bodies and other public figures.
    Catherine Dijon, deputy secretary general of the CILRECO, in a report at the meeting highly praised the historic feats performed by President Kim Il Sung in wisely leading the movement for the independent reunification of Korea and the immortal exploits of Kim Jong Il who provided the inter-Korean summit and the adoption of the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration there, thus bringing about a turning phase for Korea's reunification.
    He proposed to set 2007 marking the 30th anniversary of the CILRECO as a "year of international solidarity for the independent and peaceful reunification of Korea".
    Speakers at the meeting expressed their determination to conduct the more vigorous solidarity movement supporting the struggle of the Korean people who have turned out in the drive to carry out the three-point task of attaching importance to the nation, defending peace and achieving the unity to open up the heyday of the cause of independent reunification. And they strongly urged the U.S. to implement to the letter its commitments for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
    The meeting adopted CILRECO's action program for 2007 and an appeal to the governments, political parties and organizations of different countries and international and non-governmental organizations across the world.
    The action program noted that the CILRECO would expand the international solidarity movement for supporting the strict implementation of the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration and the promotion of the inter-Korean reconciliation, cooperation and reunification process and frustrating any attempt of the anti-reunification, anti-peace forces to disturb them, and conduct an international signature campaign demanding the immediate withdrawal of the U.S. forces from south Korea.
    The appeal called on the governments, political parties and organizations of different countries and international and non-governmental bodies across the world to strongly demand that the U.S. and the anti-reunification forces of south Korea demolish the concrete wall built in the area south of the Military Demarcation Line in the Korean Peninsula and stop the arms buildup and war exercises of various names being staged in south Korea against the DPRK.
    It also called for putting pressure upon the U.S. to give up its policy of hostility and aggression on the DPRK and arousing world public opinion to ensure the peace on the Korean Peninsula.
    A letter to Kim Jong Il was adopted at the meeting.


Struggle against U.S., War and GNP Urged in S. Korea

   Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- The South Headquarters of the National Alliance of Youth and Students for the Country's Reunification reportedly issued a statement titled "Let us carry forward the spirit of the Jeju April 3 resistance to turn out in the struggle against the U.S. and war and the Grand National Party" on April 3.
    The statement said that the April 3 Popular Uprising in Jeju Island was a resistance for independence and democracy to frustrate the U.S. imperialists' scheme for permanent division of the Korean nation and achieve the reunification of the country.
    Noting that the outside forces and pro-U.S. forces are still running amuck in south Korea, the statement said that all members of the Korean nation who want to live in the reunified country should turn out in the struggle against the U.S. and war and the GNP.
    Youth and students will take the lead in the struggle against the U.S. and war and for withdrawal of the U.S. troops and liquidation of the GNP by inheriting the spirit of the popular uprising, the statement declared.


Marathon Race for Mangyongdae Cup Held

   Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- The 20th International Marathon Race for Mangyongdae Cup was held here on the occasion of the Day of the Sun.
    Its opening ceremony was held at Kim Il Sung Stadium Sunday.
    The ceremony was attended by Kim Jung Rin, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, Tong Jong Ho, minister of Construction and Building-Materials Industries who is chairman of the DPRK Marathon Association, Pak Kwan O, chairman of the Pyongyang City People's Committee, officials concerned, working people in the city, sports fans, foreign guests and overseas Koreans.
    Marathoners of Namibia, Russia, Malaysia, Botswana, Switzerland, Ethiopia, China, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Poland and the DPRK competed at the race.
    Pak Song Chol and Jong Yong Ok of the DPRK came first at the men's and women's race.


DPRK Ready to Punish Anyone Who Infringes upon Its Sovereignty and Dignity

   Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- The situation on the Korean Peninsula still remains tense due to the U.S. incessant military provocations. The DPRK is following with a high degree of vigilance the reckless moves of the U.S., Japan and other hostile forces. Should anyone infringe upon the sovereignty and the dignity of the DPRK even a bit, the DPRK will sternly punish it with the matchless armed forces built under the Songun leadership.
    Kim Il Chol, minister of the People's Armed Forces, warned this, addressing a national meeting held at the April 25 House of Culture Sunday to celebrate the 14th anniversary of Kim Jong Il's election as chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission.


Governor of New Mexico State, U.S., Arrives

   Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- Bill Richardson, governor of New Mexico State, U.S., and his party arrived here Sunday.


Kim Il Sung's Work Published in Russia

   Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- President Kim Il Sung's famous work "Young People Must Accomplish the Revolutionary Cause of Juche, Upholding the Leadership of the Party" was brought out in booklet by the Publishing House of the Russian Association for the Friendship and Cooperation with Foreign Countries on the occasion of the Day of the Sun.
    The work, published on Feb. 22, Juche 82 (1993), clarifies the principled requirements and tasks for fully preparing the young people as reliable successors to the revolution and vanguard fighters intensely loyal to the Party and the revolution and ways to do so.


Auspicious Holidays of Korean People Marked Abroad

   Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- A seminar on Kim Jong Il's famous work "On Preserving the Juche Character and National Character of the Revolution and Construction" took place in Mongolia and a meeting in the Czech Republic and round-table talks in Syria on Mar. 29 and 30 on the occasions of the Day of the Sun, the 14th anniversary of his election as chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission and the 75th birthday of the heroic Korean People's Army.
    On display in the venues of those functions were photos showing the immortal exploits performed by President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il and photos introducing the successes gained by the DPRK in socialist construction.
    Jiri Jarka, honorary chairman of the Paektusan Czech-Korean Friendship Association, said that the life of Kim Il Sung was a brilliant life of a peerless patriot and popular leader as it was totally dedicated to the country and people, adding that the great changes that have taken place in the DPRK would be unthinkable apart from his august name.
    The director of the economic department of the Damascus rural provincial committee of Syria's Baath Arab Socialist Party, said that thanks to the wise leadership of Kim Jong Il who has carried forward the idea and line of Kim Il Sung, the Korean people have won one victory after another in the stand-off with the U.S.


Many Books and Works Lauding Kim Il Sung Published in Foreign Countries

   Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- Figures of at least 170 countries authored and made public a total of more than 45,000 works in profound reverence for President Kim Il Sung in the last six decades. They include books of more than 2,000 kinds such as "Biography of Kim Il Sung," "Short Biography of Kim Il Sung," reminiscences of how foreign figures were received by the President, notes on interviews they had with him, reminiscences and poems.
    Most of them were published in more than 40 languages.
    The book "Seventieth Spring" which Carnero Checa, former secretary general of the Federation of Latin American Journalists, started writing and his wife completed said that April in spring in the DPRK when the President was born is an eternal one of the century when the great sun of humankind rose.
    Guo Moruo, former president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and famous poet, in "Another Spring", a poem dedicated to the President, wrote that his birth is the greatest fortune of humankind in the 20th century.
    Ex-President of Tanzania Julius K. Nyerere and former Chief Director of the Japan-Korea Cultural Interchange Association Takeo Takagi and many other figures in their books and works wrote with deep emotion that humankind is fortunate to have the President.
    On April 20, Juche 40 (1951) when the Fatherland Liberation War was at its height in Korea Rodong Sinmun dedicated its one whole page to epic "General Kim Il Sung" written by N. M. Gribachov, a famous writer and a social activist of the former Soviet Union.
    German woman writer Luise Rinser in her "Travel Notes on Korea" lauded Kim Il Sung as the world's best political elder, ardently appealing the world people to learn from his great idea and practice.
    President of the Bangladesh People's League Garib Newaz, Cuban woman lawyer Candelaria Rodriguez Hernandez and other personages of different strata wrote books, poems, reminiscences of how they were received by the President, impressions of the DPRK and travel notes such as "Ode to Kim Il Sung, Great Master of Leadership", "Korea Which I Saw 40 Years Later" and "Genuine Policy for the People".
    Cambodian Great King Norodom Sihanouk published reminiscences "On Special Relations between President Kim Il Sung and I", in which he wrote that when looking back upon his checkered career the President was like a God who protected his destiny. In the second half of 1994 famous writers, artistes, figures from all walks of life and working people in many countries wrote and published nearly 200 poems including "A March for Immortality of Kim Il Sung" and "Immortal Leader."
    Reminiscences were written by Former Governor of Heilongjiang Province of China Chen Lei, Director of the Italian Institute of International Relations Giancarlo Elia Valori, former Portuguese President Marshal Francisco Da Costa Gomes, former Minister of Defence of the Soviet Union Marshal D. T. Yazov and other politicians, high-ranking military officers and persons of culture and media.
    At least 200 kinds of books including "Short Biography of Comrade Kim Il Sung", "Kim Il Sung, Legendary Leader", "Kim Il Sung and Zhang Weihua", "Greatest Man" were published in national languages in many countries such as Russia, Nepal, Syria, Britain, Bulgaria, Egypt, Nigeria, Peru and Ecuador. The number of books and works written and published in the new century reached thousands plus the above-said ones.


Military Attaches' Corps Visits Korean Revolution Museum

   Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- The military attaches' corps here visited the Korean Revolution Museum on April 6 on the occasion of the 14th anniversary of Kim Jong Il's election as chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission.
    The guests looked round with keen interest the photos and historic relics and mementoes on display, being briefed on the facts that Kim Jong Il has defended socialism, wisely led the struggle of the army and people of the DPRK to build a great prosperous powerful nation and brought about a turning phase in carrying out the cause of national reunification and boosting the relations with other countries with his Songun revolutionary leadership.
    Yang Xilian, military, naval and air attache of the Chinese embassy who is doyen of the military attaches corps, wrote in the visitor's book that the visit offered him an opportunity to know better about how wisely Kim Jong Il has led the struggle of the Korean people, true to the behests of President Kim Il Sung, and what great successes the Korean people have made on the road of Songun revolution full of confidence.
    The servicepersons of the Korean People's Army have grown strong in idea and faith and the KPA has been built into a powerful army of the revolution, he added.


Anniversary of Kim Jong Il's Election as NDC Chairman Observed

   Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- Events were held by the working people's organizations to celebrate the 14th anniversary of Kim Jong Il's election as chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission.
    A meeting was held by workers and members of the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea at the plaza of the Monument to Party Founding, a meeting by youth and students at the open-air theatre of the Youth Park, a meeting by agricultural workers at Phyongam-ri, Koksan County and a meeting by members of the Korean Democratic Women's Union at the plaza of the Tower of the Juche Idea.
    Speakers at those meetings noted that Kim Jong Il formulated the Songun politics as the basic socialist political mode and has developed the Korean People's Army into a strong revolutionary army of Mt. Paektu with his great Songun leadership and consolidated the state and social system of the DPRK as required by the Songun era.
    They called for dynamically making the long journey for the Songun revolution under the wise leadership of the Workers' Party of Korea, cherishing deep in their hearts the great honor and happiness of having Kim Jong Il at the top post of the revolution.
    Present at the meetings were Kim Jung Rin, secretary of the WPK Central Committee, leading officials of the working people's organizations, officials concerned and people from all walks of life and members of the above-said organizations.


Performance of Art Groups Given on Day of Sun

   Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- A performance of art groups from across the country was given at the People's Palace of Culture on April 6 on the occasion of the Day of the Sun.
    The performance raised its curtain with small choruses "Long Live Generalissimo Kim Il Sung" and "My Great Country".
    Through its colorful numbers the performers represented the strong emotion of the Korean people greeting the 95th birth anniversary of President Kim Il Sung.
    Among the numbers were agitation of golden saying and song "What Is the Life" and solo play and pangchang "Let us do farming by our own efforts". In these items the performers highly displayed the artistic talents of them, who have contributed, through art group activities, to inspiring the popular masses to the implementation of the policy of the Workers' Party of Korea and arousing all the people to the drive for building an economic power.
    The performance was appreciated by Kim Ki Nam, secretary of the WPK Central Committee, Kim Yong Dae, chairman of the Central Committee of the Korean Social Democratic Party, leading officials of the working people's organizations and working people in Pyongyang.


Conclusion of FTA Protested in S. Korea

   Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- Various circles in south Korea reportedly issued statements and a commentary on April 2 denouncing the "government" for its humiliating stance with which it concluded FTA with the U.S.
    The Citizens' Solidarity for Democratic Society in a statement accused the "government" of unilaterally concluding FTA with the U.S., ignoring the worries expressed by the people. This is a "trade coup" staged to deprive the people of their right to existence and a blatant challenge to them, the statement noted.
    The Committee for Emergency Measures for Agriculture, Stock-breeding and Fisheries to Check the Conclusion of south Korea-U.S. FTA in a statement stressed the need to decide on the issue of the conclusion of FTA with the U.S. through referendum.
    The Lawyers Association for Democratic Society in a statement accused the "government" of having struck the deal with the U.S. in a humiliating manner despite the people's worries and opposition. The "government" will not be able to evade the responsibility for breaching democracy and the spirit of the constitution, it warned.
    The Citizens' Federation for Economic Justice in a commentary expressed regret at the action taken by the "government" to unilaterally strike the deal, yielding to the pressure of the U.S.
    The Headquarters of the All-People Movement for Checking the south Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement held a press conference in Seoul on April 3 at which it denounced the "government" for its submission to the U.S. At the end of the press conference its participants entered an all-night sit-in strike.
    On the same day members of the headquarters held a candlelight cultural event demanding a total nullification of the concluded FTA in front of the Sejong Cultural House.


World Health Day Observed

   Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- Rodong Sinmun Saturday dedicates a signed article to World Health Day.
    Noting that on the occasion of the day the World Health Organization chooses important health issues as themes every year and organizes worldwide enlightening work concerning them and activities to implement them, the article goes on:
    In the past the WHO has achieved progress in settling such worldwide problems as preventing epidemic diseases and the destruction of natural environment caused by abnormal climatic phenomena including tsunami.
    The WHO is now working hard to resolve worldwide difficult problems, threats to the existence of humankind, in conformity with the changing environment and the trend of the development of health service in the 21st century and ensure better and more secure health service.
    On the occasion of World Health Day the DPRK is conducting activities to protect and promote the people's health in cooperation with the WHO.
    It will as ever conduct its positive activities to creditably perform its mission and role in line with the noble idea of the WHO and boost the cooperation with it and thus contribute to protecting and promoting the life and health of humankind.


Rodong Sinmun Blasts Japan's Hindrance to Six-Party Talks

   Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- Rodong Sinmun Saturday in its commentator's article deals with the approach taken by Japan to hinder the work of the six-party talks. Japan unreasonably insisted on the "abduction issue" that had already found a solution thanks to the magnanimity and sincerity of the DPRK at the talks, thus putting a brake on the implementation of the September 19 joint statement and the February 13 agreement and deliberately creating difficulties in the way of the talks, the article observes, and goes on:
    Japan's participation in the six-party talks did nothing helpful but laid only a hurdle in their way.
    The six-party talks are a platform for discussing the issue of denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, not other matters irrelevant to it.
    Japan might be well aware of this.
    It, however, kicked up a ruckus, politicizing and internationalizing an unimportant issue in a bid to scuttle the six-party talks and check the denuclearization of the peninsula.
    The participants in the six-party talks should honor their commitments to serve the nature and purport of the talks with a view to realizing the denuclearization of the peninsula and ensuring peace there. It is as clear as noonday that the talks can hardly prove successful should any party insist on any issue irrelevant to the main purport of the talks to achieve its ulterior aim.
    Japan is nothing but a filibuster keen to chill the atmosphere of the six-party talks. No wonder, those following the talks are of the view that unless Japan is ordered to leave the conference hall the talks will prove fruitless and the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula will never find a solution.
    It is the attitude and true intention of Japan to scuttle the six-party talks and check the denuclearization of the peninsula.
    Japan's escalated moves against the DPRK inside and outside the conference hall are aimed to becloud the prospect of the settlement of the nuclear issue and cite it as a pretext for its nuclear weaponization. It is the fear of the Abe forces that the denuclearization of the peninsula as a result of the successful six-party talks might deprive Japan of any justification for going nuclear.
    Lurking behind Japan's hostile policy toward the DPRK is its criminal intention to distort and deny its bitter past history including the crimes related to the "comfort women" for the imperial Japanese army and revive militarism.
    It is, therefore, a historic tragedy and blunder that such country is allowed to attend the six-party talks that handle the above-said crucial issue.
    The Abe forces' theory of "doing away with the postwar system" and "building beautiful Japan" precisely means a doctrine for domination and a theory of hegemony as it calls for revenging its past defeat as a "victimized state", not as a war criminal state, and realizing its ambition to dominate Asia and the rest of the world. This is the sinister aim sought by the Abe forces in denying and distorting the crimes related to the "comfort women" for the imperial Japanese army and crying out for getting rid of the postwar system and building beautiful Japan.
    A politician should have a more reasonable judgment and greater responsibility for the destiny of his country than anybody else. But the present Japanese ruling quarters do not have any of them. The only way out for Japan is to redeem its past and opt for peaceful development.


Congratulations to Prime Minister of Kuwait

   Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- Pak Pong Ju, premier of the DPRK Cabinet, sent a congratulatory message to Sheikh Nasser Al-Muhammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on his reappointment as Prime Minister of Kuwait.
    The message wholeheartedly wished him great success in his work for prosperity of the country and promotion of the people's wellbeing.


DPRK Team Defeats Taiwan of China Team

   Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- A match between the DPRK and Taiwan of China teams was held at Kim Il Sung Stadium here on Saturday as part of the Asian regional women's football games (Group B) to obtain the qualification for the 29th Olympiad.
    The host team beat the other side 8-0.


1st Meeting of Taekwon-Do Integration Coordinating Committee Held

   Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- The first meeting of the Taekwon-Do integration coordinating committee was held in Beijing on Mar. 31.
    The meeting formally organized the Taekwon-Do integration coordinating committee. Ryu Song Il, chairman of the integration policy of the side of the International Taekwon-Do Federation, and Ri Tae Sun, vice-president of the World Taekwon-Do Federation, were appointed as co-chairmen of the coordinating committee.
    At the meeting both sides confirmed the mutual stands on the duty, rights and steering procedures of the coordinating committee and exchanged documents related to pattern and sparring events of Taekwon-Do. They decided to discuss the integration of technical rules on the principle that makes it possible to agree with each other with ease and yield substantial results.
    The committee decided to fix the date and venue of the next meeting by agreement through correspondence.
    A joint press release was made public at the meeting.
    Present at the meeting were the delegation of the International Taekwon-Do Federation led by Ryu Song Il and the delegation of the World Taekwon-Do Federation led by Ri Tae Sun.


Red Cross Activities Conducted on World Health Day

   Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- Officials and members of the DPRK Red Cross Society conducted their activities Saturday to mark World Health Day.
    In keeping with the basic mission of the society, they conducted health service in accordance with the state policy of preventive health service and the "health care strategy till 2010" laid down by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
    The successful building of Red Cross first-aid stations in different counties including Sukchon County in South Phyongan Province made it possible to successfully disseminate knowledge about the first-aid treatment to people and render health service to them.
    The above-said activities conducted on the occasion of World Health Day offered the members of the society an opportunity to positively conduct humanitarian activities in the spirit of devoted service to the people.


Foreign Athletes and Artistes Here

   Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- Marathoners of Namibia, Russia, Malaysia, Botswana, Switzerland, Ethiopia, China, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Poland arrived here by air to participate in the 20th International Marathon Race for Mangyongdae Cup to be held on the occasion of the Day of the Sun.
    Meanwhile, a Hebei provincial song and dance troupe of China, a Shandong provincial acrobatic troupe of China, a musical group of the Japan-Korea Society for Music and Art Interchange, and a soloist of the International Delpic Cultural Festival Council arrived here Saturday to participate in the 25th April Spring Friendship Art Festival.


New Documentary Shown

   Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- The new documentary "They Are Together on the Way of Great Songun Leadership" was shown at the People's Palace of Culture on Saturday.
    The documentary deals with the historical facts that President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il were together on the way of Songun leadership for several decades to perform immortal feats in developing the Korean People's Army (KPA) into the invincible revolutionary army of Mt. Paektu and bolstering the nation's defence power as strong as an iron wall.
    It tells how Kim Jong Il has developed the KPA into the army of the leader and the party by faithfully carrying forward the President's idea and line of attaching importance to the army and military affairs since his visit to the Guard Seoul Ryu Kyong Su 105 Tank Division of the KPA early in the 1960s that marked the start of his commandership over the army.
    It deals with the everlasting exploits Kim Jong Il has performed by regarding the Songun idea of Juche as his faith and unrolling the unique Songun policy, thus bolstering the country's defence power as strong as an iron wall and achieving historic victories to be specially recorded in the nation's history spanning 5,000 years.
    It was appreciated by senior party and state officials, the chairman of a friendly party, members of the Cabinet, officials of working people's organizations, ministries and national institutions and working people in the city.


National Photo Exhibition Opens

   Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- A national photo exhibition was opened with due ceremony at the People's Palace of Culture Saturday to commemorate the 95th birth anniversary of President Kim Il Sung.
    A photo of Kim Il Sung standing in front of the time-honored old home in Mangyongdae is seen in the central part of the exhibition hall. Exhibited there are more than 190 photos under the titles of "The great leader Comrade Kim Il Sung will always be with us," "For the freedom and liberation of the people", "Always finding himself among soldiers", "Considering 'Believing in people as in heaven' as his maxim", "Father of all families of the country," "Great teacher, benevolent father", "Regarding children as 'king' of the country" and "Broad magnanimity, noble sense of obligation".
    The photos make a historic representation of the glorious revolutionary career of the President and his legendary love for the people.
    Choe Thae Bok, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, in an opening speech at the ceremony said that Kim Il Sung rose as the great sun of the nation, clearly indicating the way to be followed by the times and the revolution, making a new history of epoch-making changes on this land and rendering immortal services for the accomplishment of the human cause of independence through his dynamic revolutionary practices. His revolutionary exploits will shine forever, the speaker added.


Letter of Thanks to Kim Jong Il from Chongryon

   Pyongyang, April 8 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il received a letter of thanks from the Central Standing Committee of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) on April 8 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the remittance of educational aid fund and stipends to the children of Koreans in Japan by President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.
    The education aid fund and stipends sent by the President 50 years ago served as life-giving water that brought the national education in an alien land into bloom and an engine that dynamically pushed forward Chongryon and the movement of Koreans in Japan, the letter said, and continued:
    The Koreans in Japan could usher in a heyday of national education by displaying patriotic enthusiasm in all fields with the high honor and pride of being overseas citizens of the DPRK led by the immensely kind-hearted and wise President and conduct a more vigorous patriotic movement centered on the national education after building modern Korean schools in different parts of Japan.
    Over the past five decades since then, the warm love and care shown by the President have shed more brilliant rays under your loving care and the educational aid fund and stipends sent by you keep the great flower garden of national education in fuller bloom.
    Recalling that Kim Jong Il has wisely led the national education of Koreans in Japan, regarding it as a lifeline for the movement of Koreans in Japan, the letter noted that thanks to his guidance they have firmly preserved the soul of Koreans and led a worthwhile life as the overseas citizens of the DPRK generation after generation even in terror-ridden Japan where national persecution and phobia about Koreans prevail.
    We Koreans in Japan will cherish the faith that we are sure to emerge victorious as long as we are led by you and wage a more vigorous patriotic movement, decisively frustrating the heinous moves of the Japanese right-wing reactionaries by the force of single-minded unity and thus greet with pride the 21st congress of Chongryon as one of victors, one of unity and put the movement of Koreans in Japan on a new higher level, the letter concluded.


For Spanish-speaking people



Rodong Sinmun comenta conducta de Japon contra la cita a 6 bandas

   Pyongyang, 7 de abril (ATCC) -- En un comentario individual difundido hoy, el diario Rodong Sinmun critico a Japon que obstaculiza intencionalmente las conversaciones a 6 bandas y frena la ejecucion de la Declaracion Conjunta del 19 de septiembre y el acuerdo del 13 de febrero cuestionando absurdamente el "problema del secuestro" ya resuelto gracias a la magnanimidad y buena fe de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea.
    La cita a 6 bandas es una mesa preparada para discutir el problema de desnuclearizacion de la Peninsula Coreana, precisa el comentarista y prosigue:
    Pero, en su intento de llevarla al fracaso e impedir la desnuclearizacion de esa area, Japon arma escandalos politizando e internacionalizando ese problema enajenado de la agenda.
    A fin de desnuclearizar la Peninsula Coreana y asegurar la paz en esta region, los paises participantes en la cita a 6 bandas deben cumplir lo que les toca conforme al caracter y proposito de la misma.
    Si una parte esgrime un asunto desvinculado a estas conversaciones para alcanzar su mezquino objetivo, las mismas resultaran evidentemente fracasadas.
    No por casualidad, los observadores del proceso del dialogo opinan que sin expulsar al pais isleno es imposible sacar esta cita del estancamiento ni resolver jamas el problema nuclear de la Peninsula Coreana.
    Japon intensifica sus maniobras anti-RPDC dentro y fuera de la mesa del dialogo para dilatar la solucion del problema nuclear a fin de tomarlo por pretexto de armamento nuclear.
    La banda de Abe se preocupa de que de llevarse a la realidad la desnuclearizacion de la Peninsula Coreana gracias a la marcha exitosa de la cita, se desvaneceria la justificacion del armamento nuclear de su pais.
    Por otra parte, en el trasfondo de las maniobras anticoreanas de Japon se halla otro intento criminal de revitalizar el militarismo tras tergiversar y negar su ensangrentada historia criminal del pasado, inclusive el caso de las "consoladoras sexuales" para el viejo ejercito japones.
    Resulta una tragedia historica la misma presencia de tales japoneses en esta cita que trata ese problema tan importante.
    Las doctrinas de la banda de Abe sobre la "salida del sistema posbelico" y la "construccion de un Japon hermoso" se basan en la teoria dominacionista y hegemonica consistente en que el pais isleno no es criminal de guerra sino la "victima" y debe tomar la venganza de su derrota y satisfacer su ambicion de conquistar a Asia y el resto del mundo.
    Los politicos deben poseer la facultad de juzgamiento y responsabilidad por el destino de su pais, mas racional y pesada que los otros. Esto es lo que les falta a los actuales gobernantes del pais isleno.
    La unica salvacion para este pais esta en optar por el desarrollo pacifico tras liquidar sus crimenes del pasado.


Rusia: editada obra de Kim Il Sung en folleto

   Pyongyang, 7 de abril (ATCC) -- En ocasion del Dia del Sol (15 de abril, dia de nacimiento del Presidente Kim Il Sung), la Editorial de la Sociedad Rusa de la Amistad y Cooperacion con Paises Extranjeros dio a luz en folleto la obra maestra del Presidente "Los jovenes deben llevar a feliz termino la causa revolucionaria del Juche apoyando con fidelidad la direccion del partido".
    En este trabajo publicado el 22 de febrero del 82 (1993) de la Era Juche estan indicados la demanda de principios, las tareas y los remedios que se presentan para preparar a los jovenes como fidedignos sucesores de la revolucion y luchadores de vanguardia infinitamente fieles al partido y a la revolucion.


Rodong Sinmun celebra el Dia Mundial de la Salud

   Pyongyang, 7 de abril (ATCC) -- El diario Rodong Sinmun publico en su edicion de este sabado un articulo individual dedicado al "Dia Mundial de la Salud".
    En ocasion de esta efemeride, la Organizacion Mundial de la Salud (OMS) presenta cada ano los temas vinculados con los importantes asuntos sanitarios y promueve en el ambito mundial las actividades ilustrativas de estos y otras labores destinadas a cumplirlos, comienza el articulista y prosigue:
    Con anterioridad, esa entidad internacional logro un avance en la prevencion a escala mundial de las enfermedades epidemicas y de la destruccion del medioambiente a causa de anormales fenomenos climaticos como el maremoto.
    Hoy dia, de conformidad a las circunstancias cambiadas y la tendencia del desarrollo sanitario del siglo 21, realiza ingentes esfuerzos por superar los problemas mundiales que amenazan la existencia de nuestras especies e impulsar de modo mas magnifico y seguro la asistencia medica.
    Con motivo del "Dia Mundial de la Salud" de este ano, en Corea se desarrollan en colaboracion de la OMS las actividades encaminadas a proteger y fomentar la salud de las personas.
    Tambien en lo adelante, la RPDC sera fiel a su mision y papel de acuerdo con el ideal de la OMS y fortalecera la cooperacion con esta para proteger y fomentar la vida y la salud de la humanidad.


Voluminosa bibliografia de elogio a Kim Il Sung

   Pyongyang, 7 de abril (ATCC) -- Durante 60 anos pasados, los extranjeros de mas de 170 paises del mundo escribieron y publicaron mas de 2 mil libros como la "Biografia de Kim Il Sung" y la "Breve biografia de Kim Il Sung" y mas de 45 mil obras de diferentes generos como las notas de encuentro y entrevista, las reminiscencias, las poesias, etc.
    La abrumadora mayoria de estos articulos fueron impresos en mas de 40 idiomas.
    El libro "Septuagesima primavera", escrito al principio por el ex secretario general de la Federacion Latinoamericana de los Periodistas Genaro Carnero Checa y concluido por su esposa, elogia que la primavera de Corea en abril cuando nacio el Presidente Kim Il Sung significa la eterna primavera del siglo que acogio al gran Sol de la humanidad.
    Guo Moruo, ex presidente de la Academia de Ciencias de China y famoso poeta, exclamo en su poesia "Otra primavera" dedicada al Presidente que el nacimiento de este representa la fortuna mas grande para la humanidad del siglo 20.
    El ex presidente de la Republica Unida de Tanzania, Julius K. Nyerere, el ex administrador jefe de la Asociacion del Intercambio Cultural Japon-Corea, Takeo Takaki, y otras numerosas personalidades enunciaron emotivamente en sus obras sobre la fortuna que tuvo la humanidad al acoger al Presidente Kim Il Sung.
    En los dias de la Guerra de Liberacion de la Patria (1950-1953), en la edicion del 20 de abril del 40 (1951) de la Era Juche del diario Rodong Sinmun se edito en una plana entera la epopeya "El General Kim Il Sung" escrita por N. M. Grivachov, renombrado escritor y activista social de la ex Union Sovietica.
    La poetisa alemana Luise Rinser escribio en su libro "Mi visita a Corea" que el Presidente es el mejor politico veterano en el mundo y llamo a la especie humana a aprender sus grandes ideas y procedimientos.
    Otras figuras de diferentes sectores, entre otras, el presidente de la Liga Popular de Bangladesh Garib Newaz y la jurista cubana Candelaria Rodriguez Hernandez compilaron sus articulos bajo titulares de "Himno al gran maestro de direccion Kim Il Sung", "Corea que volvi a ver a los 40 anos", "Verdadera politica para el pueblo", etc.
    En tanto, el Gran Rey camboyano Norodom Sihanouk publico la reminiscencia "Sobre las especiales relaciones entre yo y el Presidente Kim Il Sung" anadiendo que cuando echa vista retrospectiva a su vida llena de vicisitudes, piensa que el segundo es el dios protector de su destino.
    Solo en el segundo semestre de 1994, se crearon cerca de 200 poesias como la "Cancion de marcha por la eternidad de Kim Il Sung" y "Presencia perenne del lider" entre los prestigiosos escritores, artistas, personalidades y trabajadores de diferentes estratos de varios paises.
    Entre los escritores de reminiscencias figuran tambien los politicos, los militares, los hombres de cultura y de prensa de talla mundial, como el ex gobernador de la provincia de Heilongjiang de China, Chen Lei, el secretario general del Instituto de Relaciones Internacionales de Italia, Giancarlo Elia Valori, el ex presidente de la Republica de Portugal, mariscal Francisco Da Costa Gomes, el ex ministro de Defensa de la ex URSS, mariscal D. T. Yazov.
    Se calculan en varios miles los libros y articulos compilados y publicados en el nuevo siglo incluyendo mas de 200 obras como la "Biografia del camarada Kim Il Sung", "Kim Il Sung, lider legendario", "Kim Il Sung y Zhang Weihua" y "El mejor de los grandes hombres", impresas en lengua nacional en numerosos paises del mundo como Rusia, Nepal, Siria, Inglaterra, Bulgaria, Egipto, Nigeria, Peru, Ecuador, etc.