The statement congratulated the Korean people on their successes achieved last year under the wise Songun leadership of Marshal Kim Jong Il.

It spoke highly of the progress made by the Juche-oriented science and technology of the DPRK; it launched the satellite Kwangmyongsong-2 by its own efforts and technology in particular, striking the world with admiration, and succeeded in the 2nd underground nuclear test, making a contribution to bolstering up the self-reliant national defence capability.

It highly appreciated the diplomatic victory the DPRK won by frustrating the moves of the U.S. imperialists, Japan and the south Korean puppets to block the victorious advance of socialism.

It expressed full support to the joint editorial which set the clear goal to improve the people's standard of living including the development of light industry, thereby clarifying the will of the Korean people to open the gate to a great prosperous and powerful nation in 2012, the centenary of birth of President Kim Il Sung, without fail.

The statement held that new progress should be made in the efforts to achieve the independent and peaceful reunification of Korea, the desire of the whole humankind, this year in line with the principle laid down in the declarations adopted at the historic inter-Korean summits held in June of 2000 and October of 2007. It reiterated the solidarity with the struggle of the Korean people.