Pyongyang, December 19 (KCNA) -- An important notice that leader Kim Jong Il passed away to the people's sorrow was made public at this noon.

Upon hearing the sad news that 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, passed away, all the servicepersons and people of the DPRK are seized with indescribably bitter grief.

He passed away at a time when a turning phase is opening for building a thriving socialist nation and the Korean revolution is winning victory after victory despite manifold difficulties and hardships. This is the greatest loss for the WPK and the Korean revolution and the biggest sorrow for the 70 million Koreans and the progressive people of the world.

People from all walks of life are visiting statues of President Kim Il Sung in different parts of Pyongyang including Kim Il Sung University to express their greatest sorrow over the demise of Kim Jong Il, the father of the nation.

Tears are streaming down the cheeks of the grief-stricken people.

"We can never believe that leader Kim Jong Il passed away as even shortly ago he conducted energetic activities day and night for prosperity and development of the country and the happier life of the people.

"Have we ever thought of the country without Kim Jong Il, the Korean revolution without his leadership and our life without his loving care."

At this moment of greatest sorrow and grief, people feel as if the sky were falling down. The hearts of all of them are now filled with stronger faith in victory, optimism and solemn pledge.

KPA officer Jong Il Guk, 43, said:

"We will overcome sorrow and display fresh strength and courage to tide over the present difficulties and work harder for the great and fresh victory of the Juche revolution, true to the leadership of Kim Jong Un."

Ho Song Chol, 55, who is working at the Cabinet, said:

"The Korean revolution is sure to always triumph under the leadership of Kim Jong Un".