DPRK News April 7
Kim Yong Nam leaves for Cuba
Yang Hyong Sop meets Japanese delegation
9th DPRK-Japan intergovernmental full-dress talks close
DPRK delegation to DPRK-Japan talks holds press conference
DPRK and Japan government delegations issue joint communique
Kang Sok Ju meets Japanese government delegation
Chinese government cultural delegation arrives
Chinese embassy officials visit Kumsusan Memorial Palace
Japanese government delegation gives reception
Sojourn of Japanese delegation in DPRK
World Health Day observed
Book on revolutionary exploits of Kim Il Sung published
Military attaches' corps visits Oun Revolutionary Site
Anniv. Of Kim Jong Il's election as NDC chairman celebrated
U.S. and S. Korea should observe "order of navigating to and from five islands
GIs' atrocities brought before international court
DPRK's stand on establishment of DPRK-Japan relations reclarified
Sun's Day commemorations abroad
Three-point charter of Korea's reunification supported abroad
Kim Yong Nam leaves for Cuba
Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, President of the presidium of
the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, and his party left here today to attend
the NAM summit to be held in Havana and pay an official visit to Cuba on
the invitation of Fidel Castro Ruz, President of the Council of State of
the Republic of Cuba.
They were seen off at the airport by Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the
presidium of the SPA of the DPRK, Kim Yun Hyok, its secretary, and Kang Sok
Ju, first vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other officials concerned.
Also on hand were Nirsia Castro Guevara, Cuban charge d'affaires ad
interim, and foreign diplomatic representatives and representatives of
international organizations here.
Yang Hyong Sop meets Japanese delegation
Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the
presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, met and had a talk with
the Japanese government delegation led by Kojiro Takano, ambassador of the
Japanese Foreign Ministry for negotiations on the establishment of
diplomatic ties between Japan and the DPRK, at the Mansudae Assembly Hall
today.
On hand there were roving ambassador of the DPRK Foreign Ministry Jong Thae
Hwa and other officials concerned.
The head of the delegation said that there may be difficulties in the way
of the successful establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and
the DPRK, the historic task, but he was determined to overcome them.
Not only I but the Japanese government have concern and enthusiasm for the
talks, he noted.
9th DPRK-Japan intergovernmental full-dress talks close
Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- The 9th DPRK-Japan intergovernmental
full-dress talks closed here this morning.
Present there were members of the DPRK government delegation led by Jong
Thae Hwa, roving ambassador of the Foreign Ministry, and members of the
Japanese government delegation led by Kojiro Takano, ambassador of the
Japanese Foreign Ministry for negotiations on the establishment of
diplomatic ties between Japan and the DPRK.
The talks proceeded in a good atmosphere.
DPRK delegation to DPRK-Japan talks holds press conference
Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- Jong Thae Hwa, roving ambassador of the DPRK
Foreign Ministry who was leading the DPRK government delegation to the
ninth DPRK-Japan intergovernmental full-dress talks, called a press
conference at Pyongyang Koryo Hotel this evening.
Present at the conference were media-persons of the DPRK, Japanese
reporters and foreign correspondents in the DPRK.
At the conference Jong Thae Hwa read out a joint communique on the talks
agreed upon by the government delegations of the DPRK and Japan.
Then he answered questions put by reporters.
DPRK and Japan government delegations issue joint communique
Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- The government delegations of the DPRK and
Japan to the ninth intergovernmental full dress talks between the two
countries issued a joint communique here today.
The communique says:
The 9th intergovernmental full-dress talks between the DPRK and Japan took
place here from April 4 to 7.
Present at the talks were a DPRK government delegation led by Jong Thae
Hwa, roving ambassador of the DPRK Foreign Ministry, and a Japanese
government delegation led by Kojiro Takano, ambassador of the Japanese
Foreign Ministry for negotiations on establishment of diplomatic ties
between Japan and the DPRK.
The two sides, basing themselves on the understanding of the need to
improve and develop the DPRK-Japan relations, had sincere discussions on
all the matters related to the establishment of diplomatic ties between the
two countries, including a matter related to how Japan will liquidate its
past.
They reconfirmed the need to continue the intergovernmental full-dress
talks between the DPRK and Japan and reached a consensus of views on
holding the 10th full-dress talks in Tokyo in late May.
Kang Sok Ju meets Japanese government delegation
Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- Kang Sok Ju, first vice-Minister of Foreign
Affairs of the DPRK, today met and Conversed with the Japanese government
delegation led by Kojiro Takano, ambassador of the Japanese Foreign
Ministry for negotiations on the establishment of diplomatic ties between
Japan and the DPRK.
Present there were Jong Thae Hwa, roving ambassador of the DPRK Foreign
Ministry, and officials concerned.
Chinese government cultural delegation arrives
Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- A Chinese government cultural delegation led
by Zhang Wenbin, director of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage
of China arrived here today to participate in the 18th April Spring
Friendship Art Festival.
The delegation was greeted at Pyongyang railway station by vice-Minister of
Culture Song Sok Hwan who is also vice-chairman of the festival organizing
committee and Wang Guozhang, Chinese ambassador here.
Chinese embassy officials visit Kumsusan Memorial Palace
Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- Newly appointed Chinese ambassador
extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the DPRK Wang Guozhang and embassy
officials yesterday visited the Kumsusan Memorial Palace where the
President Kim Il Sung is preserved in state.
They paid homage to his statue and went upstairs to make deep bow to him.
They looked round the orders and medals he received from different
countries of the world, the wailers hall and the train and car that he used
in his lifetime.
The ambassador made an entry in the visitor's book.
On the same day the embassy officials visited Mangyongdae and planted
souvenir trees around the native home of the President.
Japanese government delegation gives reception
Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- The Japanese government delegation to the 9th
intergovernmental full-dress talks between the DPRK and Japan today gave a
reception for the DPRK government delegation at Pyongyang Koryo Hotel.
Present on invitation were members of the DPRK government delegation headed
by Jong Thae Hwa, roving ambassador of the DPRK Foreign Ministry.
Also on hand were members of the Japanese government delegation led by
Kojiro Takano, ambassador of the Japanese Foreign Ministry for negotiations
on the establishment of diplomatic ties between Japan and the DPRK.
Sojourn of Japanese delegation in DPRK
Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- The Japanese government delegation led by
Kojiro Takano, ambassador of the Japanese Foreign Ministry for negotiations
on the establishment of diplomatic ties between Japan and the DPRK, which
came to the DPRK for the ninth DPRK-Japan intergovernmental full-dress
talks, visited the Kumsusan Memorial Palace where the President Kim Il Sung
lies in state for perpetuity and paid homage to him on Apr. 5.
The delegation visited the President's statue on Mansu Hill in Pyongyang
and paid tribute to him on Apr. 4.
It visited Mangyongdae, where the President was born and spent his
childhood, on Friday.
It also visited the Mangyongdae Schoolchildren's Palace.
On Thursday it visited the international friendship exhibition on Mt.
Myohyang, a famous mountain in Korea.
World Health Day observed
Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- Rodong Sinmun today in a signed article
observes the "World Health Day." The World Health Organization was founded
on April 7, 1948. This day was set as "World Health Day."
The article notes that the who has achieved many successes in rooting out
the social cause of starvation, poverty and diseases worldwide and
providing environment for civilized living of humankind.
Recalling that the who proposed a theme on the occasion of the "World
Health Day" every year and conducted brisk activities worldwide to explain
and materialize it, the article goes on:
This year's theme adopted by the who "safe blood starts with me - blood
saves lives" was prompted by the urgent necessity to develop the public
health to check the spread of all sorts of epidemics in the world such as
aids, hepatitis and venereal disease.
Our country has exerted great efforts for the development of international
health care, keeping in regular touch with the who.
The who also provided sincere scientific and technological and material
assistance to our field of public health.
The DPRK will as always cooperate with the who in its efforts to fulfil its
mission and strive hard for its growth and development.
Book on revolutionary exploits of Kim Il Sung published
Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- The Worker's Party of Korea Publishing House
brought out "Paving New Road for World Revolution" vol. 19, a serial of
library "Immortal Revolutionary Exploits of the Great Leader Comrade Kim Il
Sung" on the occasion of his 88th birth anniversary.
The book is divided into 3 parts consisting of 7 chapters and 19 sections.
The first part comprehensively and deeply demonstrates the ideological and
theoretical exploits of President Kim Il Sung, who founded the Juche theory
on the world revolution based on the Juche idea and Ceaselessly developed
and enriched it to systematize it in an integral way, and their greatness.
The second part fully analyzes and reviews the outstanding activities he
energetically conducted to accelerate the victory of the world revolution.
The third part comprehensively and deeply proves historic turn he brought
in the struggle to hew out a new road of the world revolution with his
outstanding ideological and theoretical activities and energetic leadership
and its immortal global significance in accomplishing the socialist cause
and the human cause of independence.
Military attaches' corps visits Oun Revolutionary Site
Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- Military attaches' corps here visited the Oun
Revolutionary Site in the suburbs of Pyongyang yesterday on the occasion of
the 7th anniversary of the great leader Kim Jong Il's election as chairman
of the National Defence Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of
Korea.
Kim Jong Il personally took part in the military camping exercise in this
place in his university days in Juche 51, (1962).
The guests looked round historic buildings and training grounds with keen
interest, being briefed on the fact that he led the campers to be trained
as competent officials who mastered the Juche-oriented military idea,
theory and tactics.
Anniv. Of Kim Jong Il's election as NDC chairman celebrated
Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- Functions were held by working people's
organizations in celebration of the 7th anniversary of the great leader Kim
Jong Il's election as chairman of the National Defence Commission of the
DPRK.
A meeting of agricultural workers was held yesterday.
The reporter and speakers extended warmest congratulations and greatest
glory to Kim Jong Il saying that his election is a historic event of
epochal significance in strengthening the national defence power and
accomplishing the Juche revolutionary cause.
They said he has performed immortal exploits of historic significance in
strengthening the national defence power by leading the revolutionary armed
forces of Juche, founded by the President Kim Il Sung along the road of
victory and glory.
A celebration stage "the Marshal and the working class" of trade unionists
was also held on the same day.
Put on the stage were colorful numbers including ode and chorus "the
Marshal, Banner of Victory."
The performers wonderfully showed the great pride and honor of living under
the leadership of Kim Jong Il and the high spirit and enthusiasm of the
working class to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the Worker's Party of
Korea as a grand festival of victors.
U.S. and S. Korea should observe "order of navigating to and from five islands"
Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- The U.S. and the South Korean authorities
should clearly see the character of the Korean People's Army and people
meeting any challenge of provokers with a mercilessly annihilating strike
and strictly observe the "order of navigating to and from five islands" set
by the DPRK.
The central committee of the Union of Agricultural Workers of Korea said
this in a statement issued yesterday, assailing the U.S. imperialists and
the South Korean ruling quarters for challenging the "order of navigating
to and from five islands" at the West Sea of Korea proclaimed by the DPRK
as an important measure.
The U.S. and the South Korean authorities viciously challenged the positive
measure of the navy command of the Korean People's Army by talking about
"due punishment" on someone. The statement bitterly denounced their
challenge in the name of all agricultural workers as a crime of severely
threatening the peace of the country and the security of the nation.
If they go against the "order of navigating to and from five islands" to
ignite a war, our agricultural workers, along with the heroic KPA, will
rise up to mete out severe punishment to the aggressors and provokers, the
statement warned.
GIs' atrocities brought before international court
Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- Om Prakash Mantri, secretary general of the
Asian Regional Committee To Support Korea's Reunification, sent a letter to
the President of the International Court of Justice on March 30 to bring
GIs' murderous atrocities before the court as regards memorandum issued by
the DPRK Foreign Ministry.
He in the letter called attention to the recent disclosure of GIs' mass
killings of innocent people in South Korea during the Korean War by U.S.
official documents.
GIs massacred more than one million civilians in the North Korea they
occupied temporarily, he noted.
He denounced their massacres as an open violation of the international law
and proposed to severely punish war criminals by the international law.
DPRK's stand on establishment of DPRK-Japan relations reclarified
Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- The DPRK-Japan talks must not be a theatre of
verbal spat but effective and productive ones. This is the view and demand
of the DPRK side, Rodong Sinmun today says in a signed article entitled
"just stand on the settlement of the issue of the DPRK-Japan relations," as
regards the principled stand Clarified by the DPRK side at the first day
sitting of the 9th intergovernmental talks between the DPRK and Japan.
Touching on the issue of Japan's redressing of its past, our side held that
this should be taken up as the main topic and the most important task at
the talks, the article says, adding: The DPRK side clarified that this
issue, including four points--apology and Compensation for human and
material losses, return of cultural treasures and Compensation for them and
improvement of the legal status of the Korean nationals in Japan--should be
discussed as a core issue at the talks. The article hails this as a very
just position.
The article goes on:
There were 8 rounds of talks between the two sides in the past but the two
sides only argued pro and con, mixing the key issues related to the
settlement of the issue of the DPRK-Japan relations with irrelevant issues.
As a result, the talks failed to make any progress and ended up in rupture.
Noting that there are indisputable theoretical propriety and reason in the
DPRK's stand that Japan's redress of its past should be made a main topic
and a most important task of the talks, the article goes on:
The DPRK and Japan have been in the relationship between the assailant and
the victim.
Japan has a century-long history of aggression and hostility against Korea.
The issue of Japan's past crimes should be redressed to pave a new way for
improving the relations between the DPRK and Japan which have existed as
the sworn enemies.
If Japan has a will to admit and redress its past crimes, it, first of all,
should make an apology for all the misfortunes, pain, disasters and losses
inflicted by it upon the Korean people.
Japan's apology should be a political one clearly expressive of the will to
sincerely repent of its past crimes and not to repeat them. The apology
must be made by the head of the Japanese government and it must be
specified in the final document to be adopted as regards the establishment
of the relations.
Japan's apology, in its essence, must have state formality and legal
validity. This is the invariable demand of the Korean people.
Any material compensation without apology is little different from economic
deal or business.
It is the stand of the DPRK, the victim, that Japan, the assailant, should
compensate the victim with repentance and sincerity so that this may be a
cornerstone for establishing good neighborly relations between the two
countries and Japan should make compensation enough to fully convince the
DPRK of its sincerity and effectively pay it in the shortest possible time.
The issue of Korean cultural treasures was proposed by the DPRK side for
the first time at the talks.
Our position concerning the settlement of the issue of cultural treasures
is that Japan should formally apologize for the destruction and looting of
cultural treasures committed by it in the past, make adequate compensation
for the destroyed ones and, at the same time, return all those it took
away. This is very just demand because imperial Japan's act of obliterating
Korean culture was committed as part of its state policy and Japan should
fulfil its state responsibility for that.
It is one of the important requirements of Japan's liquidation of its past
crimes against Korea to solve the issue of legal status of Korean nationals
in Japan. From a historical point of view, the issue of legal status of the
Koreans in Japan was a product of Japan's past military occupation of Korea
and the unprecedentedly harsh rule of the occupationists.
Recently the Japanese authorities are clamoring about "prefectural
suffrage" in a bid to pursue a vicious policy aimed to deny the DPRK
nationality of the Koreans in Japan, assimilate them to Japanese and thus
split and disintegrate Chongryon (General Association of Korean Residents
in Japan).
The issue of legal status of the Koreans in Japan now poses itself as a
very acute and urgent political and national one. Japan should find an
early solution to the issue within the framework of the liquidation of its
past and take a measure for its settlement at the DPRK-Japan talks.
If the Japanese side has a will to pull down the abnormal barrier lying in
its ties with the DPRK and normalize them it had better sincerely accept
our just position and demands and take a constructive position at the
talks, the article concludes.
Sun's Day commemorations abroad
Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- Commemorations of Sun's Day were held in
various countries.
Symposiums were held in India, Madagascar, Uganda, Peru and other countries
on the subject of "Kim Il Sung, the greatest statesman of the 20th
century," "Sun's Day of Korea" and so on.
Sun's Day is the most auspicious holiday not only for the Korean people but
also for the world progressive people, the speakers said, and went on:
Age-old events and shining victories in the struggle of the Korean people
and the world progressive people in the 20th century are associated with
the august name of the President Kim Il Sung.
Referring to his immortal achievements, they stressed:
He was a great thinker and theoretician and distinguished leader who
founded the Juche idea, indicating the road ahead of humankind and hewing
out the era of independence.
He is a legendary great man who glorified his whole life like the sun with
the august name of the sun, they said.
Meanwhile, film shows, photo exhibitions and other colorful functions were
held in Bangladesh, Tanzania, Nepal and many other countries.
Three-point charter of Korea's reunification supported abroad
Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- Political parties and organizations of
different countries participated in the international signature campaign to
support the three-point charter of Korea's reunification.
The signature paper was signed by general secretary of the People's
National Congress of Guyana Oscar Clarke on behalf of 20,000 party members,
leader of the People's Democratic Movement of Guyana Llewelyn John on
behalf of his party members and chairman of the Guyana Labour Union Samuel
walker on behalf of the union members from March 23 to 31.
The director of the golden grove primary school and the teacher of the Kim
Jong Il class signed the signature paper on behalf of teachers and pupils
of the school.
As of March 31 it was signed by national secretary of the Party of the
Congress for the Independence of Madagascar Razacarisoa Noelson on behalf
of 30,000 party members, general secretary of the United Party of Struggle
of Madagascar Randriamvao Machabazakasoa Max Halbari on behalf of his party
members, chairman of the Malagasy National Committee for the Study of the
Juche Idea Andria Velonandro An Selme on behalf of its members and chairman
of the Malagasy Society for the Study of the Juche-Based Idea on Literature
and Art Rahazarizafy Remi on behalf of the society.
__________________________________
KOMINFORM
P.O. Box 66
00841 Helsinki - Finland
+358-40-7177941, fax +358-9-7591081
e-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.kominf.pp.fi
___________________________________
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subscribe/unsubscribe messages
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
___________________________________
