National Meeting Celebrates February 16
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- A national meeting was held at the April 25 House of Culture on Friday to celebrate February 16.
Present there were senior officials of the party, the army and the state, chairpersons of the friendly parties, officials of the party, armed forces and power organs, public organizations, ministries and national institutions, servicepersons of the Korean People's Army, officials in the fields of science, education, culture and arts, public health and media, labor innovators, working people in Pyongyang, congratulatory groups and delegations of overseas compatriots and other compatriot figures and the chief of the Pyongyang Mission of the Anti-Imperialist National Democratic Front.
A report was made by Kim Yong Nam, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly.
The reporter noted that the birth of Kim Jong Il as son of the legendary guerrillas in the historic period when the dawn of the liberation of the country was at hand amidst fierce battles for the final victory of the anti-Japanese war was the greatest fortune for the Korean nation as it promised a rosy future of Juche Korea and a world historic event which opened a bright prospect for the human cause of independence.
Every great social change and progress brought about by the army and people of the DPRK while steadily advancing the socialist cause of Juche generation after generation are closely associated with the distinguished ideological and theoretical wisdom and outstanding political caliber, iron-will and matchless grit and noble personality of Kim Jong Il, the reporter said, and went on:
Kim Jong Il is the outstanding thinker and theoretician who has carried forward the immortal Juche idea in all fields and developed it in depth with fresh ideological and theoretical wealth, indicating the right way for the popular masses in the present era to accomplish the cause of independence.
What is outstanding among the ideas and theories expounded by Kim Jong Il is that he has carried forward the idea of attaching importance to arms and military affairs, which President Kim Il Sung enunciated in the incipient period of the Korean revolution and invariably adhered to, and developed it in depth in all fields as required by the developing situation.
Kim Jong Il formulated the philosophy on army that a revolution starts and advances by dint of arms and the principle of Songun that the army means the party, state and people, set forth the idea of putting the army ahead of the working class for the first time in the history of the revolutionary movement and defined the Songun politics as a main political mode under socialism, thus providing an all-powerful treasured sword in the struggle for independence against imperialism and for socialism.
By establishing the Korean-style state leadership system with the National Defence Commission as its backbone under the veteran and tested leadership of Kim Jong Il the government of the Republic has grown stronger to be a powerful political weapon for fully embodying the Songun idea and line of the party in all fields of the revolution and construction and accomplishing the Juche revolutionary cause with the might of Songun.
All party members, servicepersons and people should enshrine the truth that the prosperity of the socialist motherland and the genuine life and happiness of the Korean people are ascribable to Kim Jong Il as unshakable faith and protect him politically and ideologically at the cost of their lives.
We will implement the October 4 declaration, holding aloft the banner of "By our nation itself" along the path indicated by the June 15 joint declaration based on Kim Jong Il's noble idea of achieving national reunification and surely achieve the historic cause of national reunification through a nationwide struggle for independent reunification and peace and prosperity.
We are closely following the double-dealing attitude of the U.S. as it is employing double-edged tactics of appeasement and pressure, persistently trying to stifle the DPRK by force. We will not tolerate even a slight hostile action on the part of the U.S. but decisively react to it with a stronger measure.
Only victory and glory are in store for the army and people of the DPRK as long as they have Kim Jong Il in the van of the revolution and there are the revolutionary party of Juche, the invincible revolutionary armed forces and the single-minded unity of the revolutionary ranks, he concluded.
Meanwhile, similar meetings took place in every province, city and county across the country on the same day.
17th "Paektusan Prize" International Figure-skating Festival Opens
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The 17th "Paektusan Prize" International Figure-skating Festival opened here on the occasion of the birthday of Kim Jong Il.
The festival brought together figure skaters of the DPRK, Russia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Belarus, Ukraine, Spain and France.
Its opening ceremony took place at Ice Rink on Friday.
Present at the opening ceremony were Choe Thae Bok, Yang Hyong Sop and others, sportspersons and working people in the city and congratulatory groups and delegations of overseas Koreans, overseas compatriots and foreign guests.
Pak Hak Son, chairman of the Korean Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission, in an opening speech expressed the belief that the festival would register great success thanks to the efforts of DPRK sportspersons and friendly foreigners.
There was a presentation by a group of Korean figure skaters at the ceremony. At its end demonstration presentations were given by figure skaters of different countries.
The festival continues.
Art Performances Given to Celebrate February 16
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Art performances of the workers art squad of the Central Committee of the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea and women's union members in Pyongyang were given on Feb. 14 to celebrate February 16, the birthday of Kim Jong Il.
Put on the stages were male vocal solo "Song Devoted to Comrade Kim Jong Il," female chorus "February Is Spring," female vocal solo and chorus "Best Wishes" and other colorful numbers.
The performers loudly sang of the undying feats of Kim Jong Il who personified the resourcefulness and personality as a legendary great man after being born in Mt. Paektu and has put the dignity of Kim Il Sung's nation on the highest level with his distinguished political ability, matchless grit and gifted stratagem.
Through triad poem and song "The Glow over Kangson," song and dance story-telling "Arirang for Prosperity" and other numbers, they vividly represented the revolutionary faith of the Korean people to leave inerasable traces of their life on the road for the country's prosperity under the leadership of Kim Jong Il.
Demonstration Synchronized Swimming Presented
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- A demonstration synchronized swimming was performed at the swimming pool of the Changgwang Health Complex on Friday to celebrate February 16.
Performers successfully represented the profound reverence for Kim Jong Il in such numbers as "Our General Is Best," "Veneration for General," "Let's Become Satellites of the Sun" and "The Glow over Kangson."
Their presentation was highly acclaimed by the spectators for impressively representing the ideological and thematic contents of their program through such movements requiring high skill as diverse changes of formations, successive jumping to the surface and simultaneous rising up.
Among the spectators were Kim Jung Rin and Choe Yong Rim.
Present to see it were congratulatory groups and delegations of overseas Koreans and overseas compatriots.
Reception Given for Military Attaches Corps
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The Ministry of the People's Armed Forces gave a reception for the military attaches corps here on Feb. 14 on the occasion of the birthday of Kim Jong Il.
Present there on invitation were members of the corps.
Vice Marshal of the Korean People's Army Kim Il Chol, minister of the People's Armed Forces, Pak Jae Gyong, vice-minister of the People's Armed Forces, and general officers and officers of the KPA were on hand.
Kim Il Chol in his speech said that Supreme Commander Kim Jong Il has put the dignity and power of the DPRK on the highest level with his distinguished political ability, extraordinary wisdom and tested leadership ability.
He declared that the army and people of the DPRK will in the future, too, strive for the stability of the Korean Peninsula and the world peace in the idea of independence, peace and friendship and strengthen friendly and cooperative relations with the armies of all countries which are friendly toward the DPRK.
Vietnamese Military Attache Dau Xuan Long, who is doyen of the corps, in his speech hoped that the Korean army and people would make greater success in the revolution and construction under the wise leadership of Kim Jong Il.
He expressed the belief that the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation between the armies of the countries of military attaches and the KPA would grow stronger.
Military Attaches Corps Visits Venue of Kimjongilia Festival
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The military attaches corps here visited the venue of the 12th Kimjongilia Festival on Friday on the occasion of the birthday of Kim Jong Il.
The members of the corps looked round the venue which presents fantastic scenery with flowers praising the great man.
At the end of the visit the guests made entries in the visitor's book.
Reception Given by Egyptian Ambassador
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Moustafa Mohamed Ahmed Al Hatter, Egyptian ambassador to the DPRK, hosted a reception at his embassy on Thursday on the occasion of the birthday of Kim Jong Il.
Present there on invitation were Kim Yong Dae, vice-president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, Kim Yong Jin, minister of Education, Kang Nung Su, minister of Culture, and others.
An official of the Egyptian embassy was on hand.
The ambassador said at the reception that the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries are steadily developing under the deep care of leader Kim Jong Il and President Muhammad Hosni Mubarak. The Egyptian government will always support the Korean party, government and people in their efforts to achieve the peace and reunification of the Korean Peninsula, the noble intention of President Kim Il Sung, he declared.
Kim Yong Dae noted in a speech that Kim Jong Il has performed the undying feats for the country and the nation with his extraordinary wisdom, iron will and energetic leadership. We will make efforts for continuously developing the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries in the future, too, he said.
Reception Given at DPRK Embassy in Moscow
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The DPRK embassy in Moscow gave a reception on Feb. 12 on the occasion of the birthday of Kim Jong Il.
Present there on invitation were figures of the government, political parties, organizations and bodies of Russia including the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Defense, the Federal Bureau for Supervision of Ecology, Engineering and Atomic Energy, the Russia-DPRK Inter-governmental Committee for Cooperation in Trade, Economy and Science and Technology, the "Russian Railways" Company, "United Russia," the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, the Party for Peace and Unity, "Just Russia," the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks and the Russian Association for Friendship and Cultural Cooperation with the DPRK.
The participants laid floral baskets and bunches of flowers before the full-length picture of President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il standing together and paid tribute to them.
Then they went round photos on the theme of "Praise and Reverence."
DPRK Ambassador to Russia Kim Yong Jae and Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Saltanov made speeches at the reception.
Saltanov said that Kim Jong Il made a great contribution to the development of the Russia-DPRK friendly relations.
He stressed that Russia stands for a peaceful settlement of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula and invariably supports the development of dialogue and cooperation between the north and the south of Korea.
A performance was given by the Academy Ensemble of the Interior Unit of the Russian Ministry of Interior at the reception.
Film Show Arranged for Chinese Residents
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The Pyongyang City People's Committee arranged a film show for Chinese residents in Pyongyang at the Taedonggang Club for the Diplomatic Corps on Feb. 14 on the occasion of the birthday of Kim Jong Il.
Present at the show on invitation were officials of the Central Committee of the Association of Chinese Residents in Korea including its vice-chairman and Chinese residents here.
Kim Jong Sik, vice-chairman of the Pyongyang City People's Committee, and officials concerned were on hand.
The participants watched Korean documentary film "To Realize the Leader's Desire."
Performance Given by Korean Art Troupe in China
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- A performance by the art troupe of Koreans in China was given at the Central Youth Hall here on Feb. 14 to celebrate February 16.
Appreciating the performance were working people in the city, members of the congratulatory group of the General Association of Koreans in China and overseas compatriots.
Through "Song Devoted to Comrade Kim Jong Il," "General on a Galloping White Horse," "Frost Flowers" and other vocal solo numbers the performers highly praised the greatness of Kim Jong Il who is demonstrating the dignity of the socialist homeland and the Korean nation before the world.
February Fete Common to Humankind
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Now the Korean people and the progressives worldwide are celebrating the birthday of Kim Jong Il in a grand style as a common holiday of humankind.
The towns and villages of the DPRK are garbed in festive attire with the letters "Celebrations: February 16" hung out everywhere and they are overflowing with fervent wishes of the people for Kim Jong Il.
The fete is greeted with colorful functions such as oath-taking meeting, festive performance and gathering, photo show, national pencil drawing festival and ten-day film show.
The venue of the 12th Kimjongilia Festival this year marking the 20th anniversary of the naming of a newly cultured flower Kimjongilia is packed to overflowing with visitors at home and from abroad everyday.
Conspicuous scenes are the 17th "Paektusan Prize" International Figure Skating Festival and demonstration performances of synchronized swimming and the Paektusan Cup Sports Contests.
The progressive people around the world are showing deepest respect for and trust in Kim Jong Il.
The Coordinating Council of the World Federation of Democratic Youth presented a congratulatory message and a gift to him, the Russian Academy of Security, Military and Legal Affairs awarded him "Dmitri Donskoi" Order First Class and the China Association for International Friendly Contact and the Beijing Association for International Friendly Contact sent a congratulatory letter and a gift to him in joint name.
Multiform jubilee events such as film show, photo exhibition and meeting are taking place in Russia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Syria, Nepal, Guiana, Nigeria, Brazil and other countries in honor of the his birthday.
Newspapers and bulletins of Cambodia, England, Pakistan, Egypt, Mexico and other countries extended greetings of best wishes to Kim Jong Il on his birthday. They say in their special write-ups and commemorative articles that he is deeply revered in the international community for his distinguished feats for the human cause of independence and that he who enjoys unquestioned trust of the people is the most outstanding leader in the present times.
National Scientific Symposium Held to Mark 20th Anniversary of Birth of Kimjongilia
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- A national scientific symposium was held at the Grand People's Study House on Feb. 14 to mark the 20th anniversary of the birth of Kimjongilia as immortal flower.
The symposium heard papers titled "20 year-long history of immortal flower shining with august name of great man," "Research into the simultaneous blooming of several Kimjongilias, immortal flowers," "Research into some ways of cultivating Kimjongilia in family," "Research into putting the cultivation of Kimjongilia on an IT basis" and "Successes made in scientific research into Kimjongilia, immortal flower, in the past two decades and prospect of future research." 8 written papers were presented there.
Speakers said that over the past two decades Kimjongilias have been brought by Korean people and world progressives into full bloom as flowers dedicated to the great man and widely propagated across continents and oceans.
Drawing attention of the participants were research data on providing environment for the growth of the flower including the methods of cultivating more beautiful and attractive Kimjongilias and preserving and tending them with good care and ensuring temperature of greenhouses needed for growing them by use of solar heat.
Also introduced there were the method of letting a Kimjongilia plant come into several flowers simultaneously, theoretical and practical ways of cultivating the flower in families and research data on putting cultivation and propagation on an IT basis.
Present there were Pyon Yong Rip, president of the State Academy of Sciences, officials concerned and scientists, technicians, horticulturists and greenhouse cultivators in the field of research into Kimjongilia.
Floral Basket to Kim Jong Il from C.C., CPC
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il was presented with a floral basket by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on the occasion of his birthday.
The floral basket was conveyed to an official concerned by Liu Xiaoming, Chinese ambassador to the DPRK, on Feb. 15.
Floral Basket to Kim Jong Il from Lao Party Leader
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il was presented with a floral basket by Choummaly Saynasone, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, president of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and chairman of the Central Committee of Defence and Security of Laos, on the occasion of his birthday.
The floral basket was conveyed to an official concerned by Chaleune Warinthrasak, Lao ambassador to the DPRK, on Friday.
Gift to Kim Jong Il from Hong Kong Company
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il was presented with a gift by Chang Shengqin, president of the Fenghuang Investment Group Co. Ltd., Hong Kong, China, on the occasion of his birthday.
The gift was conveyed to an official concerned by Wang Pei, general representative of the Dandong Office of the group, on a visit to the DPRK.
Prize Awarded to Kim Jong Il
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- A ceremony took place at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Thursday to convey the "DPRK Hero Kim Jong Suk Prize" awarded to Kim Jong Il by the Mongolian HUM Company Ltd.
Present there were Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Jon Yong Jin, vice-chairman of the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries, officials concerned and D. Michka, general director of the Mongolian HUM Company Ltd., and his party and Mongolian Ambassador to the DPRK Janchivdorjyn Lomvo.
At the ceremony the diploma awarded to Kim Jong Il was handed over to Yang Hyong Sop by D. Michka.
Written on the diploma were letters saying that the company awards the "DPRK Hero Kim Jong Suk Prize" to Marshal Kim Jong Il, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission and supreme commander of the Korean People's Army who has made a distinguished contribution to building a great prosperous powerful socialist nation, the desire of President Kim Il Sung and his lifeguard Kim Jong Suk, achieving the independent and peaceful reunification of the country, developing the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between the Mongolian and Korean peoples and defending the global peace and security, on the occasion of the 90th birth anniversary of Kim Jong Suk.
The Mongolian general director said that the prize was instituted to glorify the great exploits of Kim Jong Suk, a prominent hero of Korea.
Noting that the Mongolian people are highly praising Kim Jong Suk as the great mother, great patriot and great revolutionary of Korea, he stressed that she is always alive.
Floral Baskets to Kim Jong Il
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il was presented with floral baskets by Johnny Hon, chairman of the International Kim Il Sung Foundation who is chairman of the Global Group of Britain and family of Zhang Weihua, anti-Japanese revolutionary martyr, on the occasion of his birthday.
The floral basket sent by the family of Zhang Weihua was handed on Friday to an official concerned by Zhang Qi, his grandson on a visit to the DPRK.
Floral Basket to Kim Jong Il from Japanese Delegation
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il was presented with a floral basket by the delegation of the Japanese Society for the Study of Kimilsungism on a visit to the DPRK on the occasion of his birthday.
The floral basket was conveyed to an official concerned on Thursday by its President Kikuo Tashiro who is heading the delegation.
Greetings to Serbian President
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, sent a message of greetings to Boris Tadzic, President of Serbia, on Friday on the occasion of its national holiday.
Expressing the belief that the long-standing relations of friendship and cooperation between the DPRK and Serbia would grow stronger by their joint efforts, Kim in the message sincerely wished the Serbian president greater successes in his responsible work for stability and prosperity of the country.
Sympathy to President of Peru
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, sent a message of sympathy to Alan Garcia Perez, President of Peru, on Friday in connection with the torrential rain that hit various parts of Peru, causing many human and material losses.
Kim in the message expressed the belief that the government of Peru would eradicate the aftermath of the natural calamity and bring the living of the people in the afflicted areas to normal as soon as possible.
KCNA Urges Withdrawal of U.S. Forces from S. Korea
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- To ensure peace on the Korean Peninsula including its denuclearization is not the issue to be settled by the efforts of one side.
From this point of view, the U.S. forces' presence in south Korea poses an actual danger to ensuring the peace on the Korean Peninsula.
From the outset of the year, the upper echelon of the U.S. has become more vocal in "supporting" the U.S. forces' permanent presence in south Korea. This is a development which cannot be overlooked from the viewpoint of ensuring peace on the peninsula.
Some days ago, the commander of the U.S. forces in the Pacific said that "what is important is not the numerical strength of the U.S. forces in south Korea but their military deterrence," blustering that the U.S. forces would continue to remain in south Korea even after the transfer of the "right to command wartime operations" to the south Korean forces in April 2012. And the commander of the U.S. forces in south Korea uttered that "the U.S. forces positively support their permanent presence in south Korea."
Such remarks cannot be construed otherwise than a revelation of a sinister attempt at aggression aimed at stifling the DPRK by force and a blatant challenge to the ardent desire of the Korean nation to usher in a new era of independent reunification, peace and prosperity by its concerted efforts.
The U.S. forces in south Korea are the very source of tense situation and war in the peninsula and the rest of Northeast Asia and a stumbling block lying in the way of developing the inter-Korean relations.
The nuclear issue was spawned on the Korean Peninsula due to the nuclear threat posed by the U.S. forces in south Korea.
As long as the U.S. forces remain in south Korea, it is quite impossible to achieve detente and peace on the peninsula and provide a military guarantee for the development of the inter-Korean relations and prosperity common to the Korean nation.
The U.S. is working hard to paint its forces in south Korea as what it called "deterrent force," "peace force," but this is sheer hypocrisy.
The U.S. imperialist aggression forces in south Korea are putting spurs to their moves to provoke a new war on the basis of such reckless plans for preemptive nuclear attack upon the DPRK and war scenarios worked out to suit different circumstances as "OPLAN 5027-04" and "OPLAN 5030." According to the strategy for preemptive attack upon the DPRK, the U.S. military has massively shipped various type ultra-modern war hardware into south Korea to increase their attacking capability and maneuverability under the pretext of "strategic flexibility," while pushing ahead with the redeployment of its forces present in south Korea in the areas south of the River Han.
The U.S. policy of aggression toward the DPRK, the U.S. imperialist aggression forces' presence in south Korea, the resultant provocative arms buildup and military exercises, etc. are the main factor of escalating military confrontation and tension and the increasing danger of war on the peninsula.
If the U.S. truly wants peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, it had better make a bold decision to pull its forces out of south Korea at an early date as this is a touchstone showing its will for peace.
Wholesome Climate of Mt. Paektu
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The area around Mt. Paektu in Korea is known as a place good for the health of people for its beautiful scenery and peculiar highland climate.
The area is lower than other areas in atmospheric pressure and temperature and the higher one climbs, the lower the humidity in the air decreases.
The low atmospheric pressure in highlands reduces the oxygen partial pressure and improves respiratory and heart functions.
The area is particularly good for mental workers. It helps respiratory, heart and digestive functions without any special physical exercise and labor.
There is a primitive forest below 2,000 meters, the timberline of Mt. Paektu. Above the timberline there lie forest zones in the order of shrub forest zone, alpine steppe zone and lichen zone.
Thanks to the varied geographical distributions of plants, the air contains fewer amounts of dust but various kinds of antibiotics and aromatic materials which are beneficial to health. Rich in the area are the rates of solar radiation and ultraviolet rays.
In particular, the air in the areas around the Sagimun Falls which is falling on three stages with a certain interval, the Paektu Falls and the Paektumilyong Falls contains much amounts of ion good for health than other areas.
Rodong Sinmun Calls for Foiling U.S. Strategy for Proxy Aggression
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The United States is now resorting to proxy aggression in a bid to carry out its hegemonic strategy for aggression and war, a strategy aimed at containing the anti-imperialist forces for independence by force and realizing domination and control over the world.
Rodong Sinmun today observes this in a signed article.
It goes on:
By carrying out its strategy for proxy aggression the U.S. seeks to strengthen the domination and control over its allies and satellite countries and puppets in a bid to seize the world's major areas rich in resources and military strongholds. Another sinister aim sought by it through this is to use its proxies for dominating and subjugating other countries and put them forward as a shock brigade for its "anti-terror war".
It is the intention of the U.S. imperialists to let Asians, Europeans, people in the Middle East, Africans and Latin Americans fight among themselves.
The U.S. has channeled greater efforts into carrying out its strategy for aggression with the help of its proxies, taking into consideration the change of the balance between world forces and the most serious crisis in history it is now undergoing. This situation prompts the U.S. to use as many allies and satellite countries and puppets as possible for escalating the proxy aggression.
It is necessary to stand up firm against the U.S. imperialists' moves for proxy aggression.
The world peace-loving people are called upon to intensify their struggle for independence against imperialism in order to deter the above-said countries from acting puppets and agents of the U.S. imperialists. It is particularly necessary to check Japan's aggression overseas including the Indian Ocean under the pretext of "cooperating in the anti-terror war" and Israel's frantic military offensive operations against Palestine under the signboard of "combating terrorism." If an increasing number of people of the world advance along the road of independence and countries dependent upon the U.S. imperialists stop following them, they will stand isolated and their strategy for proxy aggression prove futile.
German Newspaper Dismisses U.S. "Talk about North Korea's Counterfeiting" as Plot
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The Feb. 9 issue of the German newspaper Frankfurlter Allgemeine carried an article disclosing the unreasonable attitude of the U.S. spreading the "rumor about counterfeiting" by the DPRK, according to a press report.
The newspaper said that a "defector from north Korea" whom the U.S. cited as a leading testifier to the above-said counterfeiting case is a swindler and, worse still, he is reported to be missing.
According to the well informed investigation source, the above-mentioned rumor is nothing but a farce orchestrated by politicians who have nothing to do with the DPRK, it said, adding that the economic and judicial circles of Europe brand the CIA as the prime mover who faked up the story about "north Korea's counterfeiting" as that institution massively forged the currency of the former Soviet Union during the Cold War era.
The rumor spread by the present U.S. administration is chiefly aimed at bringing the DPRK to its knees through economic blockade, it stressed.
Halt to Negotiations on Scrapping Reserve War Materiel Demanded in S. Korea
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The People for Achieving Peace and Reunification of south Korea reportedly called a press conference in Seoul on Feb. 11 at which it demanded a halt to the on-going negotiations between south Korea and the U.S. on scrapping reserve war materiel.
The speakers at the press conference referred to the fact that the 4th negotiations on scrapping reserve war materiel of the U.S. forces present in south Korea was slated to take place in the U.S. between Feb. 11 and 14.
Recalling that the negotiations are set to discuss the issues of handing over all reserve war materiel to be scrapped to the south Korean forces and making south Korea cover the ensuing expenses, etc. they stated this would impose enormous burdens on the people, while bringing benefits to the U.S.
A press release read out at the press conference asserted that the military authorities should no longer represent the interests of the U.S. under the specious name of "alliance," urging them to stop the negotiations and the construction of the facilities for disposing of waste ammunition.
Large-scale War Exercises Kicked Off in S. Korea
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- The south Korean warlike forces reportedly kicked off "exercises for air-strike and large-scale river-crossing" with the air operation command of the ground forces and the 20th mechanized infantry division involved in the area of the Namhan River in Ryoju, Kyonggi Province on February 14.
The military exercises which will last for five days are to be participated in by huge forces including engineer units as well as prototype equipment of the ground forces including more than 280 AH-1S helicopters, various type tanks and armored vehicles.
They openly declared that they would launch a three-dimensional mobile operation under the simulated conditions of an actual war including the exercise for promptly occupying the rear of the "enemy" and swiftly going over to attack, thus revealing themselves that the ongoing war exercises are the provocative offensive ones aiming at invading the north.
Korean People's Greatest Holidays to Be Observed Abroad
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- A German preparatory committee for commemorating the Day of the Sun, February 16 and the 60th founding anniversary of the DPRK, Ethiopian, Venezuelan and Equatorial Guinean preparatory committees for commemorating the Day of the Sun and February 16 and Congolese and Thai preparatory committees for celebrating February 16 were formed with due ceremonies.
The inaugural ceremonies elected Leon Nzokene, general secretary of the Congolese Socialist Party, and Louis Andregoma, chairman of the Congolese National Committee for the Study of the Juche Idea, co-chairmen of the Congolese preparatory committee and Songchit Pullarp, chairman of the Organization for the Study of the Juche Idea of Thailand, and Sulak Sivaraksa, chairman of a Thai fund, co-chairmen of the Thai preparatory committee.
Tatek Kassa, chairman of the Addis Ababa Youth Association of Ethiopia, the mayor of Palavecino City in Venezuela, the Equatorial Guinean minister for Envoys of the Presidential Office and the chief of the German Group for the Study of Songun Politics were respectively elected chairpersons of the preparatory committees of Ethiopia, Venezuela, Equatorial Guinea and Germany.
The preparatory committees decided to hold colorful political and cultural functions on the occasion of the February holiday.
Kim Jong Il's Songun Leadership Feats Lauded
Pyongyang, February 15 (KCNA) -- Rifat Es−Said, chairman of the National Progressive Unionist Party of Egypt, and Jesus Antonio Carlos Hernandez, general secretary of the Central Committee of the People's Socialist Party of Mexico, highly praised the Songun leadership feats of Kim Jong Il in statements released on the occasion of his birthday.
The chairman of the Egyptian political party in a statement on Feb. 6 praised Kim Jong Il as a statesman leading the revolution and construction to victory with his transparent political philosophy and an unique political mode.
The Songun policy constitutes an important element in Kim Jong Il's political mode, he said, adding that thanks to the Songun policy, the DPRK is emerging victorious in the confrontation with the U.S. styling itself the "only super power" and ushering in a new era of building a great prosperous powerful nation full of confidence and optimism despite rigorous trials and difficulties.
The general secretary of the Mexican party noted in a statement on Feb. 5 that the Songun policy, an independent policy, enforced by Kim Jong Il serves as an all-powerful treasured sword for smashing the anti-DPRK moves of the imperialists and firmly defending the cause of socialism in the DPRK.
The Workers' Party of Korea and the Korean people advancing under the Songun revolutionary leadership of Kim Jong Il will surely build a great prosperous powerful socialist nation and achieve the independent peaceful reunification of the country, the cherished desire of the Korean nation, he said.
For Spanish-speaking people
Kim Jong Il recibe cesto de flores del CC del PCCh
Pyongyang, 15 de febrero (ATCC) -- El Dirigente Kim Jong Il recibio un cesto de flores que en ocasion de su cumpleanos, le enviara el Comite Central del Partido Comunista de China.
El embajador extraordinario y plenipotenciario de la Republica Popular China en Corea, Liu Xiaoming, lo entrego este viernes a un funcionario coreano.
Simposio nacional por aniversario 20 de nacimiento de kimjongilia
Pyongyang, 15 de febrero (ATCC) -- Tuvo lugar la vispera en el capitalino Palacio de Estudio del Pueblo el simposio nacional en homenaje al vigesimo aniversario de la denominacion de la flor kimjongilia.
En la ocasion fueron publicados los trabajos "La historia de 20 anos de la flor denominada con el nombre del gran hombre", "Estudio sobre el florecimiento simultaneo de varios racimos de la flor kimjongilia", "Estudio sobre algunos remedios para cultivar kimjongilia en el hogar", "Estudio para aplicar la informatica en el cultivo de kimjongilia", "Los exitos de investigacion cientifica de los ultimos 20 anos sobre la flor kimjongilia y sus perspectivas", aparte de otras 8 disertaciones presentadas por escrito.
Los oradores subrayaron que durante 20 anos desde su nacimiento, kimjongilia se esparce ampliamente mas alla de los continentes y oceanos floreciendo plenamente en el corazon del pueblo coreano y los otros progresistas del mundo como la flor de alabanza al gran hombre (Dirigente Kim Jong Il).
En este encuentro llaman la atencion de los participantes los logros de investigacion para acondicionar la atmosfera ideal para el cultivo, tales como, el metodo de hacer mas hermosa y grande la kimjongilia y conservarla mejor y utilizar en el invernadero el calor solar para conseguir la temperatura adecuada para el cultivo.
Igualmente, se dieron a conocer los problemas teoricos y practicos para hacer florecer simultaneamente varios racimos en una mata de kimjongilia y cultivarla mejor en el hogar y otros resultados de investigacion que permitieron aplicar la informatica en el cultivo y la divulgacion de la misma flor.
En el foro participaron el presidente de la Academia Estatal de Ciencias, Pyon Yong Rip, y otros funcionarios, los cientificos, tecnicos, floricultores y cultivadores de invernadero que se dedican a la investigacion de kimjongilia.
Kim Yong Nam envia telegrama de consuelo al presidente peruano
Pyongyang, 15 de febrero (ATCC) -- El presidente del Presidium de la Asamblea Popular Suprema de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea, Kim Yong Nam, envio el dia 15 un telegrama de consuelo al presidente de la Republica del Peru, Alan Garcia Perez, en relacion con muchas perdidas humanas y materiales causadas por la lluvia torrencial que azoto varias zonas de este pais.
El remitente expresa al destinatario su conviccion de que el gobierno peruano eliminara cuanto antes las consecuencias del desastre natural y estabilizara la vida de los habitantes damnificados.
Kim Jong Il inspecciona batallones de la Unidad No. 776 del EPC
Pyongyang, 15 de febrero (ATCC) -- El Dirigente Kim Jong Il, Secretario General del Partido del Trabajo de Corea, Presidente del Comite de Defensa Nacional de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea y Comandante Supremo del Ejercito Popular de Corea (EPC), inspecciono los batallones adscritos a la Unidad No. 776 del EPC laureada con el titulo del Septimo Regimiento O Jung Hup.
El Comandante Supremo inspecciono el batallon No. 1 en compania de los generales de ejercito del EPC, Hyon Chol Hae y Ri Myong Su.
Despues de averiguar como cumple su mision este destacamento, presencio ejercicios de manejo de canones.
Se mostro satisfecho de que todos los oficiales y soldados se preparan como firmes combatientes capaces de pelear a solas contra cien enemigos y felicito sus exitos logrados en el entrenamiento.
Tras cerciorarse del estado de cumplimiento del programa de ejercicios presentado, dio las tareas para elevar mas la combatividad del batallon.
Durante el recorrido por la sala de educacion, el dormitorio, el comedor, el bano, el deposito de alimentos subsidiarios, los conejales y otros lugares, presto profunda atencion a la vida de los militares y resalto la necesidad de facilitarles mejores condiciones de vida.
Viendo los datos de buena conducta presentados en la tabla de educacion bajo el titulo "!Ayudemos al pueblo!" se puso muy contento de que los militares ayudan con mucha sinceridad al pueblo y dijo que se debe poner de pleno manifiesto la bella costumbre de la tradicional unidad entre el ejercito y el pueblo basada en la ayuda reciproca.
El Dirigente se fotografio junto a los militares del batallon.
A continuacion, estuvo en el batallon No. 4.
Tras enterarse del estado de cumplimiento de la guardia avanzada del batallon, destaco que el entrenamiento es la garantia fundamental del incremento de la combatividad viendo un ejercicio de los uniformados.
Recibio el parte de los comandantes sobre los trabajos de intendencia y recorrio los establecimientos de cultura, educacion e intendencia atendiendo con afecto paternal la vida de los soldados.
Se puso alegre al informarse de que los militares leen con afan los libros de lectura obligatoria nuevamente distribuidos y subrayo que la lectura ocupa un lugar muy importante en la educacion de los militares.
Dio como recuerdo binoculos, la ametralladora y el fusil automatico a los militares del batallon y se fotografio junto a estos.