Iranian President on Relations with DPRK

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iranian President, met and had a friendly talk in Tehran on July 29 with the DPRK delegation headed by Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun to the conference of foreign ministers of non-aligned countries.
    Saying that Iran and the DPRK are countries fighting against the U.S. imperialists, the Iranian president sincerely hoped that the Korean people would achieve greater success in the anti-U.S. struggle.
    He expressed the belief that the relations between the two countries would grow stronger in the future, too.


Greetings to President of Switzerland

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, today sent a message of greetings to Pascal Couchepin, President of the Swiss Confederation, on the occasion of its national day.
    Expressing the belief that the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries would grow stronger in various fields in the mutual interests, Kim in the message wished the president success in his work for the prosperity of the country.


Greetings to President of Benin

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, sent a message of greetings to Thomas Boni Yayi, President of Benin, on July 30 on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the independence of his country.
    Expressing the belief that the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries would continue to grow stronger, the message wished the president greater success in his work for the development of the country.


Congratulations to Thai FM

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- DPRK Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun sent a congratulatory message to Tej Bunnag upon his appointment as foreign minister of Thailand on July 28.
    In the belief that the friendly relations between the DPRK and Thailand would grow stronger through close ties and cooperation in the future, the message wished the Thai foreign minister great success in his new job.


U.S. Reverend Arrives

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- U.S. Rev. Franklin Graham and his party arrived here by air today.


Homage to Kang Pan Sok Paid

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- Wreaths were laid before the statue of Kang Pan Sok, an indomitable revolutionary fighter and outstanding leader of the Korean women's movement, at the Chilgol Revolutionary Site and her grave in Mangyongdae on July 31 on the occasion of the 76th anniversary of her demise.
    Seen before the statue and grave were wreaths from Kim Jong Il, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK and supreme commander of the Korean People's Army.
    Attending the wreath-laying ceremonies were Choe Thae Bok, Kim Ki Nam, Choe Yong Rim and vice-premiers of the DPRK Cabinet, the chairman of a friendly party, officials of party, armed forces and power organs, working people's organizations, ministries and national institutions, servicepersons and working people in the city of Pyongyang.
    Placed before the statue and grave were wreaths in the name of the WPK Central Committee, the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK and the DPRK Cabinet.
    Also laid were wreaths in the name of working people's organizations, ministries, national institutions, military academies, educational and public health institutions, revolutionary schools, and party and power organs and farms in Pyongyang.
    The participants paid a silent tribute to her, recalling with deep emotion the noble revolutionary life of Kang Pan Sok who gave birth to President Kim Il Sung, the sun of Juche, and made great contribution to the anti-Japanese national liberation struggle and the cause of women's emancipation, leaving inerasable traces in the early history of the arduous Korean revolution.


National Workshop on Agro-forestry Held

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- A national workshop on Agro-forestry was held at the People's Palace of Culture from July 29 to 31.
    It was attended by officials of the Ministry of Land and Environment Preservation, the Ministry of Agriculture, universities and scientific research units.
    Present there were also resident representatives of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and various cooperation organizations of the European Union.
    Addressing the workshop, Choe Sang Ho, a department director of the Ministry of Land and Environment Preservation, noted that a brisk campaign is launched in the DPRK to solve the national, regional and global environmental issues and ensure the food safety for the present and thus to better the people's living standard.
    He elaborated on successes and experience made in the course of developing the agro-forestry technology which is economically profitable and environmentally safe on sloping lands and beneficial in society.
    Kathi Zellweger, representative of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, in the DPRK hoped in her congratulatory speech that the workshop would be conducive to developing the agro-forestry in the country.
    The workshop discussed a number of issues including the concept and actual necessity of the agro-forestry, government's policies on general utilization of mountains and greening of the whole country, possible form of the agro-forestry on sloping lands and scientific research, education and training for developing, extending and disseminating the agro-forestry technology.
    It also dealt with various issues such as building well the demonstration sites for the agro-forestry and expanding them according to ecological regions, increasing organizational capacity for extending and disseminating the agro-forestry and strengthening international intercourse and cooperation.
    On July 30 the participants in the workshop visited Suan County, North Hwanghae Province, a demonstration site of the agro-forestry.


National Academic Symposium Held

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- A national academic symposium in the field of the preservation of revolutionary relics was held on July 30 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean Revolution Museum.
    President Kim Il Sung set forth the original policy for founding a new style of revolution museum mainly dealing with the history of the anti-Japanese revolutionary struggle and wisely led the struggle for implementing it after liberation. He thus established the State Central Museum of Liberation Struggle, a predecessor of the Korean Revolution Museum, on August 1, Juche 37(1948).
    Speakers at the meeting noted that the establishment of the Korean Revolution Museum marked a historic event as it meant the beginning of the work for preserving the revolutionary relics of the WPK, adding that the foundation of the museum provided a sure guarantee for preserving and glorifying the anti-Japanese revolutionary traditions, the historical roots of the party and the revolution and an eternal cornerstone.
    They stressed that the museum has developed to be a strong centre for education to thoroughly arm all members of the society with the revolutionary traditions of the Party.
    Noting that great changes have taken place in the work for preserving the revolutionary relics under the wise leadership of Kim Jong Il who has paid deep attention to the work, they cited concrete facts to explain the achievements made in the work under the care of the Party.
    They underscored the need for all officials and lecturers in the above-said field to successfully spruce up the revolution museums and museums of revolutionary activities and intensify the education through them and thus firmly arm the servicepersons, working people and school youth and children with the revolutionary traditions of the Party and encourage them to dynamically turn out in the drive to build a great prosperous powerful socialist nation.
    Present there were Kim Ki Nam, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, officials and employees in the field of preservation of revolutionary relics and the Korean Revolution Museum.


11th National Exhibition of Scientific and Technical Achievements in Public Health Held

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- The 11th national exhibition of scientific and technical achievements in the field of public health which opened on July 21 in Pyongyang closed with due ceremony at the Three-Revolution Exhibition on July 30.
    Presented to the exhibition were at least 2,000 valuable inventions and data of new technical achievements developed by medical workers and scientists and technicians of public health organs at all levels across the country.
    The papers drew attention of the participants for their great usefulness in diagnosis and prophylactic treatment, and new medical apparatuses and materials received high appreciation.
    During the period of exhibition, the participants widely exchanged achievements and experience gained in the field of medical science and technology through scientific and technical presentation and information service.


Folk Sports and Amusement Games and National Food Show Held

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- Folk sports and amusement games and a national food show were held by members of the Korean Democratic Women's Union at the Taesongsan Pleasure Ground on July 30 on the occasion of the 62nd anniversary of promulgation of the Law on Sex Equality.
    Present there were Ro Song Sil, chairwoman of the Central Committee of the women's union, officials and other union members in Pyongyang.
    The pleasure ground was full of joy and happiness of women who were greeting the significant anniversary when the Juche-oriented programme for women's emancipation was promulgated. The participants competed for victory in Yut games, swinging, a tug-of-war and other colorful events.
    Then followed a national food show.
    Presented to the show were various dishes reflecting admirable food-making skills of women who have contributed to enriching people's diet and developing excellent food culture of the Korean nation.
    Noodle, dishes of sliced vegetables seasoned with soy sauce and other dishes won general popularity as they retained the taste and savor peculiar to the traditional dishes which were loved by the Korean people from the time of remote ancestors.


Olympic Gold Medalists of DPRK

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- The opening day of the 29th Olympic Games is approaching amid worldwide attention.
    The sportsmen and sportswomen of the DPRK won several dozen medals in the past Olympiads and many of them have been qualified for the forthcoming Olympic Games in various events.
    The DPRK players who made their debut in the 20th Olympic Games in Juche 61 (1972) delighted the home people by carrying away five medals.
    Ri Ho Jun of the April 25 National Defence Sports Group who competed in the small bore rifle shooting emerged the first Olympic winner of the DPRK by breaking the Olympic and world records in the finals.
    Ku Yong Jo of the Amnokgang Sports Group defeated the U.S. adversary by knockout in the boxing finals of the 21st Olympic Games, creating the "pattern of modern boxing"
    Players of the DPRK snatched four gold and five bronze medals in the 25th Olympic Games held in Barcelona, Spain, in August 1992.
    Ri Hak Son dethroned a U.S. world ace 8 to 1 in the finals of the 52kg category of freestyle wrestling, Kim Il overwhelmed the south Korean rival 4 to 1 in the finals of the 48kg category in freestyle wrestling while Pae Kil Su topped the list with 9.925 points in pommel.
    Choe Chol Su, the only Asian boxer who gained the final berth ousted the Cuban opponent 12 to 2 in the 51kg category.
    Players of the DPRK won two golds, one silver and two bronzes in the 26th Olympic Games held in Atlanta, the U.S., in 1996.
    Kye Sun Hui, then 16, who clinched the final berth by edging all the adversaries earned fame as "a miraculous girl startling the world women's judo circle" by overpowering the Japanese rival who had finished the winner in 80-odd matches.
    Kim Il of the Amnokgang Sports Group emerged twice Olympic winner by showing wonderful skill as befits the world's strongest in the finals with an Armenian wrestler who had become a European freestyle wrestling champion in 1994.
    The sportsmen and sportswomen of the DPRK are now overflowing with the zeal to bring joy to the motherland on the threshold of the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the DPRK by giving good accounts of themselves in the 29th Olympic Games slated in August.


Solidarity Meeting Held

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) --A meeting of crewmen of foreign ships for solidarity took place at Hungnam Port in South Hamgyong Province on July 30 on the occasion of June 25-July 27 month of anti-U.S. joint struggle.
    It was attended by the captain of Belizean-flagged ship "Tosho-maru" and its crewmen.
    Speakers at the meeting referred to the fact that the U.S. imperialists committed the most barbarous massacres and destruction in the world history of war during the war of aggression perpetrated against the DPRK.
    The heroic army and the people of the DPRK turned out as one in the battle to defend the country under the outstanding and tested leadership of President Kim Il Sung, invincible iron-willed commander and gifted strategist, inflicting an ignominious defeat upon the U.S. imperialists and winning shining victory, they noted, and continued:
    Several decades have passed since the ceasefire, but the dark clouds of war are hanging over the Korean Peninsula.
    They denounced the U.S. hostile policy towards the DPRK.
    They strongly demanded the withdrawal of the U.S. forces from south Korea, noting that it is impossible to remove the source of war from Korea nor is it possible to ensure Asian peace as long as the U.S. forces are present in south Korea.
    They voiced support and solidarity with the Korean people in their struggle for achieving the independent and peaceful reunification of the country.


Doctorate Awarded to ITF President

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- Chang Ung, president of the International Taekwon-Do Federation, was awarded the doctorate in socio-politics of the DPRK.
    He made thorough-going analysis of the history of the international Olympic movement and the relations between the Olympic movement and politics, and explained and proved in depth the experience and lessons drawn from them.
    The awarding ceremony was held at the Mansudae Assembly Hall today.


Floral Basket to Kim Jong Il from Japanese Delegation

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il was presented with a floral basket by the delegation of Japan-Korea Friendship Linking with Juche on a visit to the DPRK.
    It was handed to an official concerned on Thursday by Masaji Ie, adviser to the National Liaison Council of the Japan Society for Study of Kim Jong Il's Works who is heading the delegation.


New Mosaic Unveiled

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- Mosaic "Iron-willed Brilliant Commander Comrade Kim Il Sung Who Defeated the U.S. Imperialists" was erected at the Jonsung Revolutionary Site.
    The mosaic depicts the venerable image of President Kim Il Sung, invincible iron-willed commander and outstanding strategist, who defeated the U.S. imperialists for the first time in history and brought about a brilliant victory in the Fatherland Liberation War.
    The President energetically led the work of the Military Commission and the Cabinet of the DPRK there during the days of the hard-fought war and aroused the whole party and army and all the people to bring a final victory in the war.
    He made sure that popular policies such as the universal free medical care system, unprecedented in the history of world wars, were enforced and a grandiose plan for the postwar rehabilitation was unrolled despite the grim war conditions, saying that the victory of war and the building of a rich and powerful country would be possible only when there were people.
    He approved the document of Armistice Agreement there.
    An inaugural ceremony took place on the spot on July 30.
    The participants in the ceremony laid floral baskets and flowers before the mosaic and paid respect for him in humble reverence.
    Kim Ki Nam, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, addressed the ceremony.


Okryu Restaurant Facelifted

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- The Okryu Restaurant on the bank of River Taedong flowing through Pyongyang has been updated to suit the modern aesthetic sense while preserving its original looks.
    The restaurant, constructed in Juche 49 (1960), is a public catering establishment which serves the Pyongyang cold noodle, tray-noodle with minced meat and other national foods.
    The restaurant consists of the main building and two wings.
    The total floor space of the main building is about 5,800 square meters which can house more than 1,000 customers and that of the two wings is 6,200 square meters which can house about 1,200.
    The interior and exterior of the restaurant were reconstructed, featuring a blending of traditional and contemporary flavors and a harmony of elegance, grandeur and elaborateness, so as to provide excellent conveniences to the customers.
    Conspicuous in the building feature is the newly made double ceiling. The decorations on the ceiling edges give tidy and fresh feelings.
    What is more fascinating is the beautifully flower-patterned floors made with jewels.
    The stairs are built with granites produced in Ryonggang of the DPRK and most of the furnishings are new ones suitable to the appearance of the building.
    More service facilities have been installed for the customers' convenience.
    The working people of all strata and overseas Koreans are deeply moved by the warm love of General Secretary Kim Jong Il for the people, visiting the Okryu Restaurant.


Japan's Moves to Grab Tok Islet Rebuffed

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- The Japanese authorities recently decided to write Tok Islet as part of the Japanese territory in the "new teaching guidelines" for primary and middle schools of Japan and officially announced it to the world. Timed to coincide with this, ultra-right organizations and media of Japan are vying with each other to incite the idea of grabbing other's territory among Japanese people, young people in particular.
    Rodong Sinmun today says this in a signed commentary.
    It goes on:
    The above-said moves of Japan are a wanton infringement upon the dignity and sovereignty of the Korean nation.
    The fact that the islet is part of the inviolable territory of Korea had been clearly proved long ago by the historical facts and geographical and legal evidence. Historical materials proving this fact have been unearthed one after another recently.
    Such being a hard fact, the Japanese authorities have persistently claimed "dominion" on Tok Islet, disregarding these historical facts.
    Japan is leaving no means untried to convince the younger generation of the "dominium over Tok Islet". Herein lies the dangerous and serious nature of the issue.
    Japan is making desperate efforts to seize other countries' territories with an aim to reinvade not only Korea but other countries around it.
    The above-said moves of the Japanese authorities are aimed to secure a pretext for reinvading Asia.
    It is the unchanged wild ambition of the Japanese militarists to reinvade Asia and dominate the world.
    They are working hard to deny, beautify and justify its history of aggression in a bid to imbue the younger generation with a militarist view on history and the revanchist spirit.
    The process of equipping the troops of the "Self-Defence Forces" with modern and long-distance war hardware has made rapid progress, making it possible for them to be hurled into any part of the world to conduct combat activities. What remains to be done is just to secure a pretext for overseas aggression and reinvasion.
    The Japanese militarists are set to secure such pretext through territorial disputes. The above-said moves of Japan are a revelation of the moves to turn Japan into a military giant and launch overseas expansion and a prelude to its operation for reinvasion, concludes the commentary.


Movement for Independent Reunification Is Sure to Triump

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- Rodong Sinmun today in a by-lined article says that the Korean nation's cause of independent reunification is a patriotic one sure to triumph as it is making a dynamic advance, foiling the vicious challenge and obstructions of the anti-reunification forces under the leadership of Kim Jong Il.
    The Korean nation is provided with a sure guarantee for smashing the anti-reunification moves of the separatist forces at home and abroad and winning a shining victory in the cause of independent reunification, the article notes, and goes on:
    The Korean nation's cause of independent reunification is a patriotic one to be accomplished by the driving force of the nation thanks to the positive support and active involvement of all Koreans.
    The cause of independent reunification is fully supported by all the fellow countrymen as it reflects the desire and wish and interests common to the nation.
    The victory in the Korean nation's cause of independent reunification is firmly guaranteed by the outstanding Songun leadership of the peerlessly great man.
    General Secretary Kim Jong Il is paving a wide avenue for firmly defending the dignity and sovereignty of the nation and achieving national reunification, meeting the reckless challenge of the imperialist aggressor forces with the might of Songun.
    The desire for reconciliation, unity and reunification is growing stronger on the Korean Peninsula and national cooperation and independent reunification have become an irreversible trend of the times. This is the brilliant fruition of Kim Jong Il's just line and policy of independent reunification and his invincible Songun leadership.
    The cause of independent reunification is sure to win. No force on earth can block the dynamic advance of the Korean nation towards independent reunification, peace and prosperity holding Kim Jong Il in high esteem.


Frantic War Exercises and Aerial Espionage Committed against DPRK

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- The U.S. imperialist aggression forces and the south Korean puppet army got more frantic in their war exercises in land, sea and air against the DPRK in July, according to military sources.
    On July 21 and 22 they staged joint war exercises to cope with a chemical warfare. On July 24 and 25 the warmongers of the south Korean puppet army infiltrated "commandoes" into the operational theatres simulating the strategic and tactical targets of the north to frantically conduct observation, reconnaissance, assault, destruction and disturbance.
    Between July 14 and 18 they conducted a war exercise codenamed Hwarang.
    The south Korean puppets are now taking even middle school students and public servants to the special units belonging to the "Special Warfare Command" of the puppet army to force them to undergo "guerrilla" and airlifting exercises and drills for night warfare.
    On July 16 the super-large nuclear-powered carrier "Reagan" of the U.S. imperialist aggressor forces entered Pusan Port to be followed by the sailing of guided missile destroyers and cruisers to waters off south Korea one after another. They were busy with naval operation maneuvers in coordinated operations with the puppet forces.
    On July 22 and 23 south Korea-U.S. joint naval war maneuvers were staged with the West Sea of Korea as an operational theatre.
    Oceanic observation ships of the U.S. Navy sailed into the waters of the East and West Seas of Korea on July 19 to confirm navigation routes and routes for submarines.
    The south Korean puppet navy conducted a landing operation exercise and an emergency mobile operation maneuver between July 14 and 20. The "Special Warfare Command" of the south Korean puppet army had been busy staging a naval infiltration operation exercise for more than ten days since mid-July.
    The U.S. imperialist aggression forces staged exercises to strike targets in the land in combination with a long-distance navigation drill of formations of B-52H.
    The joint air war exercises of the U.S. imperialists and the south Korean puppet army which started on July 21 reached a very reckless phase.
    RC-135 was busy perpetrating aerial espionage against the DPRK. The number of cases of this espionage committed by the U.S. imperialists against the DPRK in July reached more than 90 and those perpetrated by the south Korean puppet army at least 60, bringing the total number of the cases to more than 150.
    The madcap war exercises and aerial espionage being perpetrated by the U.S. imperialists and the warmongers of the south Korean puppet army against the DPRK in the sky, land and sea of south Korea almost everyday glaringly reveal their scenario for aggression to stifle the DPRK by force of arms.


Police's Crackdown on Workers Assailed in S. Korea

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- The south Korean Confederation of Trade Unions held a press conference in Seoul on July 28 condemning the puppet police's unwarranted suppression, according to KBS of south Korea.
    In a press release the confederation said: The Lee Myung Bak group is cracking down upon the general strike launched by the confederation in demand of total renegotiations on the American beef import, terming it an "illegal demo." This fascist outrage is an unwarranted infringement and provocation to the labor movement.
    The organization charged that the police arrested its Chief Vice-Chairwoman Jin Yong Ok while cruelly violating the rights of labor activists by means of watching and shadowing the families of its core members.
    It strongly demanded the police stop the crackdown upon the core members.


Prosecution's Repressive Moves Slashed in S. Korea

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- The Action Headquarters of the 16th-term south Korean Federation of University Student Councils (Hanchongryon) issued a statement on July 27 condemning the prosecution's crackdown upon Yun Ki Jin, chairman of the South Headquarters of the National Alliance of Youth and Students for the Country's Reunification (Pomchonghakryon).
    The statement referred to the fact that the prosecution demanded prison terms of 7 years and suspension of qualification of 7 years for Yun in a trial held on July 21.
    It is a sophistry to charge all the patriotic activities of the South Headquarters of Pomchonghakryon as "enemy-benefiting deeds" because they are in accord with the assertion of the north, it said, praising Yun as a patriotic youth who has discharged his mission and role as chairman of the south headquarters.
    Hanchongryon will stage a vigorous struggle against the anti-reunification and anti-national forces, cherishing the idea that the struggle for Yun's acquittal is that for the independent reunification, it stressed.


Import of American Beef Opposed in S. Korea

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- The south Korean People's Measure Council against the Total Opening of south Korean Markets to American Beef called a press conference at Inchon Airport on July 28 in strong protest against the import of American beef.
    Speakers at the press conference referred to the fact that the American beef containing bones and garbage fraught with the danger of "mad cow disease" was set to reach south Korea on July 29 as a result of the Lee Myung Bak group's enforcement of "official instructions" for importing American beef.
    The organization will wage a fierce struggle for the nullification of the negotiations in order to protect the health and lives of the people unless the Lee group stops the import of the above-said American beef, they warned.
    A press release read out at the conference demanded the "government" immediately stop the import of the above-mentioned American beef and conduct the total renegotiations for protecting the people's lives and security and winning back the right to quarantine.
    People from all walks of life including middle schoolers and netizens in south Korea staged the 82nd candlelight action at Chonggye plaza in Seoul on the same day in protest against the sale of American beef and traitor Lee's unpopular educational policy.


Korean People's Victory in Fatherland Liberation War Hailed

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- The British Association for the Study of Songun Policy and the British Group for the Study of the Juche Idea issued a joint statement on July 25 on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the victory in the great Fatherland Liberation War.
    The statement referred to the fact that the Korean People's Army shattered to smithereens the myth of the "mightiness" of the U.S. imperialists under the leadership of President Kim Il Sung during the war.
    The DPRK which was less than two years old defeated the U.S. imperialists, the chieftain of the international reaction and the boss of imperialism, it noted, stressing that it was a miracle unprecedented in history.
    The great victory of the DPRK was a fruition of the Juche-oriented military idea and strategy and tactics of President Kim Il Sung and the heroism and the self-sacrificing spirit displayed by its army and people, it added.
    The Switzerland-Korea Committee in a statement on July 23 noted that the historic victory won by the Korean people in the Fatherland Liberation War encouraged the people of the whole world in their struggle for freedom against imperialism and colonialism.
    The danger of the second Korean war will continue to remain as long as the U.S. forces stay in south Korea, the statement said, urging the U.S. imperialist aggressor forces to quit south Korea.


Anniversary of Founding of DPRK to Be Marked in Democratic Congo

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- A preparatory committee was inaugurated with due ceremony in Democratic Congo to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
    The inaugural ceremony held on July 24 elected Chairman of the National Committee of the Genuine Lumumbist Patriotic Party of Democratic Congo Otete Gaston Mboyo chairman of the preparatory committee.
    The preparatory committee discussed and decided on a plan to hold colorful events on the above-said occasion.


Month of Int'l Solidarity with Korean People Closed in Cuba

   Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- The month of international solidarity with the Korean people was closed in Cuba with due ceremony on July 23.
    Displayed in the venue of the closing ceremony were photographs showing immortal Songun leadership feats of President Kim Il Sung and General Secretary Kim Jong Il and those introducing the invincible might of the Korean army and people rallied close around the Party and the leader in single mind.
    Juan Jose Leon Vega, chairman of the Cuban Committee for Supporting Korea's Reunification, in a speech at the closing ceremony said that the Korean army and people won a brilliant victory by displaying popular heroism in the Fatherland Liberation War under the wise leadership of Kim Il Sung.
    At the time when the three year-long Fatherland Liberation War was coming to a close in Korea, there occurred an attack on Moncada barracks in Cuba, he noted, adding that the U.S. imperialists began to go downhill in Cuba as well as in Korea.
    The hard-fought war is still going on in Korea, he said, noting that the committee will always support and encourage the Korean people's just cause.
    The friendship between Cuba and the DPRK provided by Fidel Castro and Kim Il Sung will last forever as they are being developed by Raul Castro and Kim Jong Il, he added.


For Spanish-speaking people



En Pyongyang pastor norteamericano y su comitiva

   Pyongyang, 31 de julio (ATCC) -- El pastor estadounidense, Franklin Graham, y su comitiva llegaron este jueves a esta capital por via aerea.


Rinden homenaje a Kang Pan Sok por aniversario 76 de su fallecimiento

   Pyongyang, 31 de julio (ATCC) -- Con motivo del 76o aniversario del fallecimiento de Kang Pan Sok, indoblegable combatiente revolucionaria y destacada dirigente del movimiento femenino coreano, fueron depositadas este jueves las ofrendas florales ante su estatua de bronce en el Lugar Historico de la Revolucion de Chilgol y su tumba en Mangyongdae.
    En ambos lugares estaban colocadas las ofrendas florales enviadas por 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.
    En las ceremonias de homenaje participaron Choe Thae Bok, Kim Ki Nam, Choe Yong Rim, los vicepremieres del Consejo de Ministros, el presidente del partido amigo, los funcionarios de los organismos del partido, las fuerzas armadas y el Poder, entidades de masas, ministerios y organos centrales, oficiales y soldados del EPC y trabajadores capitalinos.
    Fueron depositadas las ofrendas florales a nombre del CC del PTC, el Presidium de la Asamblea Popular Suprema y el Consejo de Ministros, de la RPDC.
    Igualmente, fueron puestas las otras a nombre de las organizaciones de masas, ministerios, organos centrales, escuelas militares, instituciones de ensenanza y salud publica, escuelas revolucionarias, organismos del partido y el Poder y granjas en esta capital.
    Los participantes guardaron un momento de silencio recordando la brillante vida revolucionaria de Kang Pan Sok, quien enaltecio al Presidente Kim Il Sung como el Sol del Juche e hizo contribucion valiosa a la lucha por la liberacion nacional antijaponesa y la causa de emancipacion de la mujer dejando sus imborrables huellas en los arduos dias de la etapa inicial de la revolucion coreana.


Simposio sobre "agro-selvicultura"

   Pyongyang, 31 de julio (ATCC) -- Tuvo lugar del 29 al 31 en el Palacio Cultural del Pueblo el simposio nacional sobre "agro-selvicultura".
    En la ocasion participaron los funcionarios del Ministerio de Proteccion Territorial y Medioambiental, el Ministerio de Agricultura, universidades y organos de investigacion cientifica.
    Tambien estuvieron presentes los representantes de la Agencia Suiza para el Desarrollo y la Cooperacion y de varias entidades de cooperacion de la Union Europea acreditados en Corea.
    En su discurso el director de departamento del Ministerio de Proteccion Territorial y Medioambiental, Choe Sang Ho, se refirio a que en Corea se libran dinamicas actividades para resolver el problema medioambiental de alcance nacional, regional y global, asegurar la inmediata seguridad alimentaria y mejorar las condiciones de la vida del pueblo.
    Tambien hablo de los exitos y experiencias adquiridas en el proceso del desarrollo de la tecnica de agro-selvicultura que tiene maxima rentabilidad economica, es segura en lo ambiental y ventajosa en lo social.
    A continuacion, Kathi Zellweger, representante de la Agencia Suiza para el Desarrollo y la Cooperacion acreditada en Corea, pronuncio el discurso de felicitacion deseando que el presente foro contribuya al desarrollo de la referida labor en Corea.
    En el simposio se discutieron una serie de problemas, entre otros, la concepcion y la necesidad real de agro-selvicultura, la politica gubernamental sobre esta materia en todo el pais, la forma de agro-selvicultura posible en los pendientes, la investigacion cientifica, la educacion y la formacion del personal para el desarrollo, la ampliacion y la divulgacion de ella, etc.
    Ademas, se trataron los problemas de acondicionar mejor las bases experimentales de esa labor y ampliarlas por zonas ecologicas y fortalecer la capacidad organizacional, el intercambio y cooperacion internacionales para la ampliacion y divulgacion de agro-selvicultura.
    Por otra parte, los participantes en el simposio visitaron el dia 30 el distrito de Suan de la provincia de Hwanghae del Norte, unidad experimental de esta materia.


Otorgado doctorado al presidente de FIT

   Pyongyang, 31 de julio (ATCC) -- Fue otorgado el dia 31 en el Palacio de los Congresos Mansudae el doctorado de sociologia y politica de la Republica Popular Democratica de Corea a Jang Ung, presidente de la Federacion Internacional de Taekwon-Do (FIT).
    Jang hizo analisis global de la historia del movimiento olimpico internacional y los vinculos entre el movimiento olimpico y la politica y explico y argumento con profundidad sus experiencias y lecciones.