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Broadmindedness of Kim Jong Il

Chairman Kim Jong Il of the National Defense Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is a broadminded statesman.

His politics mirrors his broadmindedness as it is. He administers the benevolent politics and all-embracing politics which make no discrimination among all members of society, irrespective of their origin, past career, political view and religious belief.His politics rallied the popular masses from all walks of life including workers, peasants and intellectuals, into a socio-political force. Such wonderful reality as the single-minded unity of the whole society in the DPRK is wholly attributable to his all-embracing politics.

His broadmindedness is not confined only to the DPRK. Many Koreans in the south and abroad are admiring his generosity.

Chung Ju-young, former honorary chairman of Hyundai Business Group in south Korea, visited Pyongyang in October 1998. The Korean leader, busy as he was with his field guidance to the units of the country, was informed of the aged businessman’s visit and met with him for hours even it was at dead of night. He asked him about his health and business situation, and took every measure for his convenient stay. Noting that he would join hands at any time with anybody, if he or she wishes for the prosperity and well-being of the Korean nation, he gave ready consents to all problems suggested by Chung, including the issue of economic and cultural exchange and cooperation between the north and the south and the issue of tour to Mt. Geumgang and setting up of the Gaesong Industrial Zone.

Kim Jong Il sent a message of condolence and a wreath to his family when he passed away, and named an indoor stadium built on the banks of the Botong River in Pyongyang after him. When Chung Mong-hun, his son who was succeeding to him, died, he saw to it that a monument to his memory was set up in Geumgang resort.
He, who had already met with Hyun Chung-eun, chairperson of Hyundai Business Group who is the widow of the late Chung Mong-hun, and her daughter several times, met them again in August 2009. Remembering the predecessors of Hyundai Business Group with deep emotion, he solved all problems they presented to him with generosity—the issue of tour to Mts. Baektu and Geumgang and to Gaesong area and the issue of revitalizing the work in the GIZ with the love for the nation, even though the inter-Korean relations were driven into an unprecedented worst phase.

Thanks to Kim Jong Il, who attaches utmost priority to the demand and interests of the Korean nation irrespective of differences in ideology and social system, political view and religious belief, such an eye-opening event as the north-south summit which was held in June 2000 for the first time in the 55-years-long history of division of the Korean nation took place and the issue of national reunification was discussed there with an open mind. As a result, the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration, a milestone for Korea’s reunification, the basic idea of which is “by our nation itself,” was adopted. Another inter-Korean summit held in 2007 produced the October 4 Declaration, an action program of the June 15 Joint Declaration.

Kim Jong Il is also widely known to the world for his generosity.

In October 2000 he met with Madeleine Albright, the then State Secretary of the United States which has been hostile to the DPRK, and gave impromptu and clear-cut answers to all the matters of her concern, including the missile issue of the DPRK, a great concern of the US. She was moved to admiration for his magnanimity of handling an issue in a big way, his clear-cut analyzing ability and generosity of attentively listening to his counterpart to the end.

He even met with Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi two times and solved on the spot all problems he presented. The Korean people regard Japan as their sworn enemy as it invaded their country in the past and has not redressed its sinful past up to now, far from making reparation for it.

In August 2009, former US President Bill Clinton visited Pyongyang, which led to the release of two American women journalists who had intruded into the DPRK and committed hostile acts against it. Through the event the international community witnessed more clearly how broadminded Kim Jong Il is. He had an open-minded discussion with Clinton on some issues for relieving the acute relationship between the DPRK and the US and issued on the spot an order of granting a special pardon to the American journalists. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude to his magnanimous measure.

Kim Jong Il is, indeed, a broadminded statesman that moves all people. It is not fortuitous that many people around the world say the land of Korea is too small for his great personality.

DIU, banner of national salvation and prosperity

The destiny of the Korean nation was miserable in the past.

The Korean Peninsula, which is situated in the Far East, became a ruined country at a time when the Western powers clink their glasses with the advent of the 20th century.

At that time, the imperialists swaggered about and lorded over the earth.

At that juncture, President Kim Il Sung started the road of Juche cause, penetrating the direction of the times and history with his far-sightedness.

He opened a fresh origin of the Juche cause by founding the Down-with-Imperialism Union, the first kind of Juche typed organization.

The formation of the DIU was a manifestation of the President’s noble intention to save the nation and a historic declaration of heralding a new start of liberation movement of the Korean nation.

He led the anti-Japanese war when isms and doctrines were inundated in the world.

He proclaimed the war against Japan when it boasted of itself as one of five powers in the world, a king in Asia and invincible army.

President Kim Il Sung realized the country’s liberation through bloody war against Japan when the existing formula that victory of revolution in a suzerain state guarantees the national liberation struggle in colonial countries was regarded as an absolute one. He was the symbol of the national liberation struggle in colonial countries.

Marking the October 17th, the south Korean people reverentially extend their thanks to President Kim Il Sung, the sun of the Korean nation, who restored the country by defeating Japanese imperialism under the banner of the DIU.

The steadfast spirit of independence against imperialism kindled by the DIU is brilliantly embodied by the Songun politics of leader Kim Jong Il, the brilliant commander of Songun.

He is a great master of independent politics and great statesman in the 21st century who safeguards the fate of the country and the nation, frustrating the US war maneuvers against north Korea, with his ever-victorious Songun politics. He is a successor to and personifier of the spirit of the DIU who carries forward the cause of independence against imperialism and national sovereignty.

Thanks to his Songun politics, the independent banner started by the DIU 80 odd years ago shines as an immortal banner for carving out the destiny independently in the 21st century.

A professor at Busan National University said to his students; “Kim Jong Il, who firmly defends the destiny of the country and steers a new era of independent reunification by embodying the spirit of the DIU, is the great leader of the Korean nation and the sun of the 21st century.

Supporting his Songun politics is a shortcut to a new society of independence.”

Now the south Korean people are full of determination to hasten the independent reunification by positively supporting the Songun politics of Kim Jong Il, a veteran of independent politics.

Birth Day Anniversary of Great Leader marked

Kathmandu : The Birth Anniversary of the Great Leader Comrade KIM JONG IL is celebrating with different programmes in the month of February 2010 in different countries of the world including in Nepal also. In this connection, Nepal Journalists Association (NJA) and Nepal-Korea Friendship Association jointly organized a grand Reception with Talk programme in Kathmandu on 3rd February 2010 at Burunchilli Restaurant.

The Chief guest of the programe was Senior leader of the NCP UML and Former Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Bam Dev Gautam.

At the same programme, Nepal Journalists Association President Mr. Manju Ratna Sakya  gave details about the NJA  PEACE  AWARD 2009 to the Great Leader Comrade KIM JONG IL. The same Award with attractive Nepalese carving wooden frame was handed over by NJA Chief Mr. Sakya to His Excellency the  Ambassador of DPRK Mr. Jang Yong Chol.

Likewise, the special Nepalese gift for Great Leader Comrade KIM JONG IL was also handed over to the Ambassador of DPRK H.E. Mr. Jang Yong Chol by NJA Chief Mr. Sakya.

The Great Leader Comrade His Excellency KIM JONG IL is the Honorary Special Member of Nepal Journalists Association also.

At the Reception the Chief Guest of the programme Mr. Bam Dev Gautam spoke on friendly relations between Nepal and DPRK. Likewise Ambassador of DPRK H.E. Jang Yang Chol expressed happiness on the friendly relations  between our two countries.

At the function, NJA President Manju Ratna Sakya said that the Nepal Journalists Association with highest respect presents “PEACE AWARD 2009” to the Great Leader His Excellency KIM JONG IL, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, Chairman of the National Defense Commission of the DPRK and Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army.

Despite the complicated international situation in 2009, Leader KIM JONG IL firmly ensured peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and the rest of the Asia-Pacific region with his original Songun politics, Mr. Sakya Said. Further NJA Chief Mr Sakya wishing  good health and long life and prosperity to the Great Leader His Excellency KIM JONG IL, who has made outstanding contributions to  Korea's reunification and the cause of global independence and the world peace and the said the NJA unanimously decided to confer "PEACE AWARD 2009" on him at its grand meeting held in Kathmandu on  January 2, 2010, reflecting the desire of the Nepalese people and the progressive people of the world.

At the programme, Executive Members of NJA, Senior Media persons, journalists, leaders of the political parties, Professors, Advocates as well as other largr number of people from various walks of life were present.

Peace Award 2009

The Nepal Journalists Association (NJA) with highest respect presents“PEACE AWARD 2009” to the Great Leader His Excellency KIM JONG IL, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, Chairman of the National Defense Commission of the DPRK and Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army.

Despite the complicated international situation in 2009, Leader KIM JONG IL firmly ensured peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and the rest of the Asia-Pacific region with his original Songun politics.

Wishing good health and long life and prosperity to the Great Leader His Excellency KIM JONG IL, who has made outstanding contributions to Korea's reunification and the cause of global independence and the world peace, the NJA unanimously decided to confer "PEACE AWARD 2009" on him at its grand meeting held in Kathmandu on January 2, 2010, reflecting the desire of the Nepalese people and the progressive people of the world.

January 2, 2010
Kathmandu, Nepal
____________________
Manju Ratna Sakya
President
Nepal Journalists Association

Sri Lankan Dance programme today

Kathmandu : The Embassy of Sri Lanka is organizing a wonderful Sri lankan Dance programme at Russian Cultural Center today 5th Feb. 2010 at 4:30 pm.

The Sri Lankan Dance by Dance Troupe of Ministry of Cultural Affaires and National Heritage of Sri Lanka will present the varuous attractive programmes.

National Day of Sri Lanka marked

Kathmandu : On the occasion of the 62nd Anniversary of the National Day of Sri Lanka, H.E. The Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Mrs. Thilaka Hewage hosted  a Dinner Reception at Hotel Hyatt (Regency Ball Room)  on Thursday, February 4th, 2010.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affaires Mrs. Sujata Koirala was the Chief Guest of the programme.

At the Reception, Ministers, Leaders of the Political parties. Members of the Constitutent Asembly, Ambassadors, Former Ministers Members of the Diplomatic  Corps, U.N. officials, Former Chief of the Nepal Army, Higher officers from Nepal Army & Police forces, Senior officials from the Government including from Ministry of Foreign Affaires and President on Nepal Journalists Association Manju Ratna Sakya were present.

Likewise, Industrialists, Bankers, Former Ambassadors, Business presons, Senior Media presons and large numbers of people from various walks of life were also present.

On the same occasion, Look Nepal English Magazine published a colourful and attractive Special Issue on the occasion of 62nd Anniversary of the National Day of Sri Lanka which was distributed at the same programe.  

The Chief Editor & Publisher of Look Nepal English Magazine is Mr. Mohan Bir Thapa.

On this auspicious occasion, Nepal Journalists Association and ARPAN Weekly Family extend Warmest Greeting and Congratulations to the Gorvernment and to the People of Sri Lanka.

Long live Nepal-Sri Lanka Friendly relations.

Why we observe Kashmir Solidarity Day ?

By M. Raza Malik

Every year since 1991 the people of Pakistan observe the 5th of February as a day to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir, who have been struggling and rendering unparalleled sacrifices to achieve their birthright, the right to self-determination, for the past six decades.

To understand the importance of the observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day, one needs to understand the history of India’s occupation of Kashmir, which dates back to the partition of the subcontinent in 1947 after a century of British rule. According to the Indian Independence Act and Partition Plan of June 3, 1947, passed by the British Parliament on July 18, 1947, the Indian British colony was to be divided into two sovereign states. The Hindu-majority areas were to form India and the Muslim-majority areas of Western provinces and east Bengal were to be included in the state of Pakistan.

Under the criterion of partition, the princely states had to accede either to Pakistan or to India, keeping in consideration the geographical situation and communal demography. Being a Muslim-majority state, with an 87% Muslim population, Kashmir had a natural tendency to accede to Pakistan, but the evil designs of its then Hindu ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh, and the Indian National Congress paved the way to destroy the future of millions of people of Kashmir. India occupied the state by deploying its army there on October 27, 1947, in total disregard to the spirit of the partition plan and against the Kashmiris’ aspirations.

The people of Kashmir did not accept the illegal Indian occupation from day one and have been conducting their liberation struggle ever since. They started an armed struggle supported by a public uprising. On January 1, 1948, India approached the United Nations Security Council, which in its successive resolutions, accepted by both Pakistan and India, approved a ceasefire, demarcation of a ceasefire line, and demilitarization of the state and called for a free and impartial plebiscite to be conducted by the UN. The demarcation of ceasefire resulted in dividing Kashmir into two parts, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Indian Occupied Kashmir. Phase one of the UN resolutions -- the ceasefire -- was implemented while demilitarization of the territory and the holding of a plebiscite under the UN umbrella remains unimplemented till this day.

The most deplorable aspect of the Kashmir dispute is that India itself had taken the issue to the United Nations but later backed away from the promises it had made in front of the international community regarding the settlement of the dispute and allowing the people of Kashmir the right to self-determination.

The people of the occupied territory, after seeing the failure of all peaceful means aimed at settling the Kashmir dispute, started a massive uprising in 1989 to secure their right to self-determination, which gained momentum with every passing day, forcing India to sit down at the negotiation table with Pakistan. But the most lamentable aspect of the picture is that while Pakistan demonstrated considerable flexibility in the dialogue process, India’s intransigent approach continues to remain the biggest obstacle in the way to resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
Despite the continuation of the dialogue process between India and Pakistan and the initiation of the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) between the two countries and across the Line of Control (LoC), the situation on the ground in the occupied territory remains unchanged as the Indian troops have broken all records of human rights violations by killing innocent people, arresting youth, disgracing and harassing women, and setting residential houses ablaze with impunity.

Ironically, instead of taking the mammoth anti-India protest demonstrations in the second half of 2008 as Kashmiris’ referendum against the Indian illegal occupation of their soil, India staged another election drama to hoodwink the international community and to impose another puppet administration on Kashmiris. During an election process lasting more than a month, the occupation authorities placed the entire Hurriyet leadership in jails or under house arrest and kept the entire Kashmir Valley under siege.

Pakistan has repeatedly emphasized that it would never accept any option for the resolution of the core issue between Pakistan and India, which goes against Kashmiris’ aspirations. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani have repeatedly said that Kashmir belongs to the Kashmiris and they are the arbiters of their fate.

Historically speaking, there are several reasons why Pakistan and its people express solidarity with Kashmiris. The most striking are the common cultural, ideological, geographical, and emotional bonds, which for centuries have tied the people of both areas into one unity. Moreover, the people of Pakistan rightly feel that Kashmir is the unfinished business of the partition of the subcontinent.

The core issue of Kashmir, between India and Pakistan, has led Pakistan to face three wars and have devoted a major portion of their national incomes to defense budgets. World leaders have stressed the need to resolve the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan to avoid an eventuality that may cause a catastrophe in the region.

This is the context of observing Kashmir Solidarity Day. Thus the 5th of February is a day to acknowledge Kashmiris’ struggle for justice, peace, truth, and fundamental human rights.

The writer is a senior news editor of the Kashmir Media Service and can be reached at razamalik849@gmail.co.

Talk Programe by Pak Envoy

Kathmandu : The Embassy of Pakistan is organizing a Talk Programme on Democracy : A promise for Regional Security & Stability by His Excellency Syed Abrar  Hussain, Ambassador of

Pakistan on Friday, 5 February 2010.

The Programe will be held at Embassy of Pakistan which will be followed by a Documentary with High tea.

Putao Township on edge of development

NAY PYI TAW -Lt-Gen Tha Aye of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Soe Win, on 17 January inspected progress in constructing the suspension bridge spanning the Malikha River to link Htawadam Village in Putao Township and Kaunghmulon Village in Machanbaw Township.

Lt-Gen Min Aung Hlaing on inspection tour of Hsipaw, Mongyai, Tangyan

NAY PYI TAW - Lt-Gen Min Aung Hlaing of the Ministry of Defence inspected progress of the new building at Hsipaw Township Hospital on 19 January morning and presented cash assistance to the patients. After visiting the operation theatre and staff quarters, Lt-Gen Min Aung Hlaing presented medicines for the hospital through officials.

IFC and Lonmin Launch Guide Promoting Female Employment in Mining Sector

Cape Town, South Africa, February 1, 2010—IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and Lonmin Plc launched a guide to help mining companies incorporate women into their workforce and increase the benefits women and their families receive from mining projects.

The mining sector traditionally has been a difficult place for women to work. But IFC and Lonmin have spent the last two years developing innovative solutions that enabled Lonmin to increase its female workforce to bring it closer to the 10 percent as required by the South African Mining legislation . IFC and Lonmin used this experience to develop the Women in Mining Business Case, a guide other mining companies can use to increase women in the workforce.

“The mining sector is a powerful vehicle for helping people improve their lives and escape poverty,” said William Bulmer, Global Head of IFC Mining, during the launch at the  ndaba Mining Conference. “Our work with Lonmin has taught us many great lessons on how to increase the role of women in mining operations, and I’m excited we can share our knowledge with the global mining industry.”

The guide will help companies with issues such as how to accommodate women working in core mining and processing, including providing basic amenities such as underground facilities and change rooms for women. The guide also focuses on how companies can create a culture that recruits and retains women.

“Lonmin’s aim is to create an enabling environment for women to not only pursue careers at the mine, but also thrive in the mining profession,” said Barnard Mokwena, Executive Vice President, Lonmin Human Capital and External Affairs. “In the last two years, the Lonmin-IFC Women in Mining project has instituted processes geared towards cultural transformation at Lonmin.”

IFC supports mining companies operating in developing countries with debt and equity financing and provides advice on local supplier development, women empowerment, HIV/AIDS prevention, and community engagement. Lonmin is the world’s third-largest platinum producer and operates mines in South Africa’s Northwest and Limpopo provinces. The company employs 25,000 people in mines that should be active for another 30 years.

IFC is the only international financial institution focused exclusively on the private sector, the engine of sustainable development in emerging markets. Along with IBRD, it is currently seeking a capital increase to strengthen its ability to create opportunity for the poor in developing countries—including by helping companies incorporate women into their workforce.

China's top political advisor calls for further promoting peaceful development between mainland, Taiwan

BEIJING (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin called for continuous efforts to push forward peaceful development of relations between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan.

Now is an important historical opportunity to further push forward peaceful development of relations across the Taiwan Strait, said Jia Qinglin, member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau at a symposium held in Beijing.

Jia, also chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, urged relevant parties to continue to carry out the six proposals on the promotion of peaceful development of cross-Strait relations offered by General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Hu Jintao on Dec. 31, 2008.

Hu offered the proposals in a speech to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the mainland's "Message to Compatriots in Taiwan".

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) issued the "Message to Compatriots in Taiwan," which was published as a headline article in the People's Daily, on Jan. 1, 1979. It appealed for an end to hostile confrontation and tension across the Taiwan Straits.

Wang Yi, director of both the CPC Central Committee's Taiwan Work Office and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said at the same symposium that "cross-Strait relations have embarked on the track of peaceful development in the past year based on historic transition already made."

Jia said that "as seen from the significant and positive changes in cross-Strait ties, peaceful development of cross-Strait relations accords with the common aspirations of compatriots on the two sides and has brought concrete benefits to them."

Jia called on the two sides to ceaselessly consolidate the political, material, cultural and social foundations for development of cross-Strait ties and continuously enhance integration of economy, culture, society and the people's thoughts.

The two sides should stick to the spirit of "building mutual trust, laying aside dispute, seeking consensus and shelving difference, and creating a win-win situation" to maintain sound exchanges, expand consensus and remove obstacles, he said.

The two sides should push forward development of cross-Strait relations and the process of cross-Strait consultations by continuing the progressive method of tackling easy things first, difficult things later; and economic affairs first, political affairs later, he said.

He said the mainland would do more good things for Taiwan compatriots so that more of them could enjoy the benefits of peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.

Jia said relevant parties should encourage more compatriots to take part in the cause of promoting peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and work for the well-being of people on both sides.

PAD: Anupong must explain attack

The People's Alliance for Democracy says army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda has a duty to explain to the public about the grenade attack on the army headquarters last week.

PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila said on Friday the people needed answers because the incident on the night of Jan 14 might be linked to the attempt on Sondhi Limthongkul's life in April last year, and the many M79 grenade attacks on PAD protesters in 2008 and last year.

Mr Suriyasai also said PAD leaders Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang and Pibhop Dhongchai and relatives of the hundreds injured and the young killed in the police crackdown on PAD protesters in front of parliament on Oct 7, 2008 would submit a letter to the National Anti-Corruption Commission and to the government opposing the Police Commission's resolution to reinstate three senior police officers who had been dismissed on the recommendation of the NACC

Two were found by the NACC to have committed criminal offences and breach of discipline in the Oct 7, 2008 crackdownt and the other to have failed to prevent  the attack on PAD protesters in Udon Thani on July 24 of the same year.

Central bank: 2009 GDP shrank 2.7%

The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has revised its projection on the gross domestic product contraction for 2009 to minus 2.7 per cent, from its earlier forecast of minus 2.5 to minus 3.5 per cent, Paiboon Kittisrikangwan, BoT assistant governor, said .

“The central bank expects the GDP to grow by 3 to 5.3 per cent in 2010 and 2.8 to 4.8 per cent in 2011,” Mr Paiboon said.

BoT also projected an inflation rate for 2009 of minus 0.9 per cent, while the core inflation,  excluding energy and food, was expected to come in at 0.3 per cent.

Inflation in 2010 is projected at between 3 and 5 per cent, while the core inflation is likely to be 1.3 to 2.3 per cent.

Mr Paiboon warned of risk factors that could affect this year’s economic expansion — slow recovery of the world economy, any delay in the disbursement of government spending, the Map Ta Phut impasse, and political uncertainty.