Pyongyang, December 24 (KCNA) -- Koreans including the vice-chairman of the Central Association of Korean Nationals in Russia and the deputy chairman of the Association of Korean National Culture in Nakhodka City of Maritime Territory of the Russian Federation visited the DPRK consulate general in the city on Dec. 21 and 22 to mourn the demise of leader Kim Jong Il.

They laid a wreath and bouquets before the portrait of Kim Jong Il and paid silent tribute to him.

The chairman of the Autonomous Association of the Korean National Culture in Ussuriysk City of Maritime Territory of the Russian Federation sent a message of condolences to the DPRK consulate general.

Condolences were expressed by the chairman of the United Confederation of Koreans in Kamchatka Territory, the chairman of the Association of Korean Nationals in Territory and other officials and members of compatriots' organizations in the territory from Tuesday.

Sok Myong Son, chairman of the International United Confederation of Koreans, and other officials of Koreans organizations overseas, members of the Korean Cultural Center in Uzbekistan, editors of Thongil and Koryo Sinmun and heads of Korean art troupes and compatriots paid condolatory visits to the DPRK embassy in Uzbekistan.

Officials of Koreans organizations and compatriots laid bouquets before the portrait of Kim Jong Il in bitter grief over his demise and paid silent tribute to him in humblest reverence.

On the same day, Ri Hui Se, permanent representative of the European Regional Committee of Overseas Side Committee for Implementing the June 15 Joint Declaration, visited the DPRK mission in France and mourned the demise of the leader.

He said that the immortal exploits performed by the chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK for accomplishing the cause of national reunification would be always remembered by all the Korean people.

Choe Hyon Suk, Korean in France, said she could not repress sorrow at the sad news that he passed away.