1,903 JANUARY 12, 2002 Kim Jong Il Visits Russian Embassy Kim Jong Il Begins This Year’s

Kim Jong Il on January 6 visited the Rus- all fields including national defense, On-Spot Guidance in Economic Section sian embassy in at the invitation economy and railway connection. of Russian ambassador Andrei Karlov on The New Year’s joint editorial of the or- the occasion of the New Year 2002, the gans of the WPK, the KPA and the Social- Korean Central News Agency reported. ist Youth League defined the railway trans- Kim Jong Il was greeted by women staff portation sector as one of the most press- members of the embassy with a piece of ing tasks the country should fulfil this year bread and salt according to their traditional in its economic construction. Earlier, Kim custom of receiving the most distinguished Jong Il gave on-the-spot guidance on Janu- guest. The Russian ambassador hosted a ary 5 to a key railway factory called Kim dinner in honor of Kim Jong Il, the news Jong Thae Locomotive Plant. This may also agency said. be related to the connection of the North This marks the first time that Kim Jong Korean railway to Russia’s Trans-Siberian Il has visited the Russian embassy, while Railway. he visited the Chinese embassy two times during the past two years. The DPRK *During his visit to the Russian embassy, leader's visit to the office of Russia’s dip- Kim Jong Il was accompanied by Kim Yong lomatic mission in the capital city of Chun, chief of the general staff of the Ko- Pyongyang came five months after his sec- rean People’s Army; Kim Il Chol, minister ond meeting with Russian President of the People’s Armed Forces; Yon Hyong in . Muk, member of the National Defense The first diplomatic action at the begin- Commission; secretaries of the Central ning of the new year by Kim Jong Il may be Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea a testament to Pyongyang’s renewed bonds Jong Ha Chol and Kim Ki Nam; generals with Moscow in accordance with the eight- of the KPA Ri Myong Su, Hyon Chol Hae point Moscow declaration inked by Kim and Pak Jae Gyong; and Ji Jae Ryong, vice- Jong Il and Vladimir Putin, which calls for director of the international department of a further strengthening of bilateral ties in the WPK Central Committee.

General Secretary Kim Jong Il at the Kim Jong Thae Electric Locomotive Fac- tory on January 5 on his first official activity in the year 2002 A Happy New Year!:Congratulatory Message on New Year General Secretary Kim Jong Il started his Jong Il also noted the importance of the guidance in the development of the plant’s duty and role to solve the problem country’s economy in the New Year 2002, of the railway transport. as he visited the Kim Jong Thae Electric “He was very pleased to learn that the Russo-DPRK Ties Forged by Locomotive Factory in Pyongyang on Janu- workers and technicians of the plant are ary 5 to encourage the workers of the fac- building modern electric locomotives by tory in the start of their production drive in extensively waging a mass technical inno- Two Leaders; Linking Trans-Korean 2002. This was his first official activity in vation movement true to the party's policy 2002. of modernizing the railways of the coun- Railway Much Expected in 2002 Accompanying Kim Jong Il were Premier try,” the official Korean Central News Hong Song Nam, Jong Byong Ho, Han Agency reported. Song Ryong, Jong Ha Chol and Kim Ki He also underscored the need to push Nam, secretaries of the WPK, and Pak Nam forward the technical modernization to by Alexander N. Panov Ki, chairman of the State Planning Com- equip all the processes of the plant with up- Ambassador of Russian mission. to-date facilities with a view to boosting The Kim Jong Thae Electric Locomotive the production of modern transport means Federation to Japan Plant is the country's leading machine-build- to meet the requirements of the new cen- ing center. tury and conduct a drive in a planned way Follows a congratulatory message to PK Kim Jong Il encouraged the workers in to create new things from a new technical on the New Year 2002 by Mr. Alexander N. their first high-pitched drive for increased viewpoint on technology and in a new way Panov, ambassador of the Russian Federa- production in the New Year 2002 to glo- of thinking. tion to Japan: rify the year as a year of a new leaping ad- vance in building a powerful nation. Kim (Continued on page 2)

I greatly appreciate the chance given me to address the “People's Korea” and its readers and congratulate them on the New Year. Last year, 2001, will be remembered as a very important year in the history of relations between the Russian Federation and the Democratic People’s Republic of Pyongyang Dismisses Korea. Meetings and talks held in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chairman of the National Defense Commission of the Democratic People’s Re- public of Korea Kim Jong Il will, undoubtedly, serve to expand and strengthen the “Spy Ship” Story traditionally friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and the DPRK. The outcomes of the talks that took place in Moscow permit assess- Pyongyang flatly dismissed the Japanese what the details of the incident are, Japan’s ing with justified optimism a further prospect of cooperation between our countries government’s argument that the “mysteri- open military action committed beyond its in international affairs, including the inter-Korean dialogue, in the spirit of the Mos- ous ship” Japan sank on Dec. 22, 2001 in territorial waters proves that Japan’s moves cow Declaration, signed by Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Il. the territorial waters of China was a “spy for remilitarization and overseas expansion The development of cooperation between our countries in various areas is becom- ship of .” have reached a very perilous phase.” ing particularly important in the current international situation where a real broad “This was an incident unprecedented in “What should not be overlooked is,” he struggle is unfolding against international terrorism, which has thrown down a chal- history,” the Korean Central News Agency continued, “that the Japanese authorities are lenge to all the mankind. Our chief objective is by joint efforts to preserve peace, to said on December 26. “This crime commit- groundlessly linking the DPRK with the achieve stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the Asia-Pacific region as a whole, ted in other country’s territorial waters is incident in a bid to mislead public opinion. and in general to create a necessary environment for productive cooperation. nothing but brutal piracy and an act of un- This is an unpardonable smear campaign We receive with satisfaction the positive changes on the Korean Peninsula and pardonable terrorism of modern brand that against the DPRK.” have been consistently supporting the process of normalization of the climate of rela- could be committed only by Samurais,” it Saying that Pyongyang will maintain the tions between North and South, started by the 2000 inter-Korean summit, and the real said. highest degree of vigilance against a series practical steps toward peaceful coexistence and rapprochement of the two parts of “This proves that their loudmouthed case of anti-North Korea campaigns, it warned Korea. We believe such development of relations could conduce not only to detente of the ‘unidentified ship’ is another trite Tokyo that the country “will take relevant on the Korean Peninsula, but would also promote world stability. charade and a grave provocation by Japan countermeasures depending on Japan’s fu- The improvement of situation on the Korean Peninsula has put on a practical plane and a product of the anti-DPRK hostile ture attitude toward the incident.” the question of restoring the railway service between North and . The policy of the Japanese reactionaries, who The boat sank after taking a direct hit in linking of the railways of North and South Korea can not only stimulate the develop- never open their mouths without pulling up the hull from Japan Coast Guard guns while ment of economic cooperation on the Peninsula and in Northeast Asia as a whole, but the DPRK,” it added. in the waters of China’s exclusive economic also become an important factor for regional stability and conduce to the drawing of Pyongyang’s denunciation continued on zone. There have been no decisive clues to the North and South Koreans. the following day. A spokesman for the identify the ship as North Korean. DPRK Foreign Ministry said: “No matter (2) JANUARY 12, 2002 “Glorify This Year That Greets the 90th Birthday of President Kim Il Sung As a Year of a New Surge in the Building of a Powerful Nation”

New Year Joint Editorial of Three Newspapers -- Rodong Sinmun, Josoninmingun and Chongnyonjonwi

On the occasion of the New Year 2002, development of science and technology and Rodong Sinmun, Josoninmingun (the daily also of education. Particular attention will of the Korean People’s Army) and be focused on the development of informa- Chongnyonjonwi (the daily of the Kim Il tion technology and IT industry. Sung Socialist Youth League), published a In order to accelerate our general onward joint editorial under the headline “Glorify movement this year, it is important to launch this year that greets the 90th birthday of a great political and ideological campaign President Kim Il Sung as a year of a new and spread the Torch of Ranam campaign surge in the building of a powerful nation.” across the country. Following are excerpts of the joint edi- The young people should glorify their torial. honor as the Supreme Commander’s most active unit and task force. The forward march we are now making is a sacred campaign to carry forward the Review of Year 2001 glorious history and tradition of the Korean Last year Juche 90 (2001) was a historic revolution. year when a breakthrough was made in the It is necessary to make a revolution in all building of a powerful socialist nation in the domains and display the pure revolutionary . spirit as was done when the foundations of Last year's campaign proves that the 21st the Party were laid. century will be exalted as a glorious cen- Enhancing the militant function and role tury when leader Kim Jong Il's politics will Photo shows a mass rally held in the Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on Janu- of the Party organizations is a decisive fac- be fully realized. ary 4 with the participation of 100,000 Pyongyangites. tor for dynamically pushing forward the Last year was a year of pride when the general onward march to build a powerful dignity of the DPRK was exalted into the year of a new leap forward toward the military affairs finds its full embodiment. nation. world. building of a powerful nation. The People’s Army should be trained as We should give fullest play to our idea, The external activities energetically con- This year is a year of great significance the vanguard in defending the headquarters strength and wisdom, performing new he- ducted by Kim Jong Il last year marked a which will mark the 90th birthday of the of the revolution and as an invincible elite roic feats in socialist construction and thus historic event that put spurs to the cause of great leader late President Kim Il Sung and army of Mt. Paektu type armed with revo- making this significant year a year of a great the Korean revolution and exerted a great the 70th anniversary of the founding of the lutionary idea, socialism and patriotism. leap in the building of a powerful nation and influence of our nation on the development heroic Korean People’s Army. We should The KPA’s stand toward the imperialist a year of the greatest significance in the of international relations in the new century. glorify the year 2002 which marks the aggressors is tough and our army shows no political life of our people. Last year was a fruitful year of unity greatest national auspicious events as a year mercy to them. If the US imperialists and when the Korean people saw flowers of glory in which the stamina of the Ko- their allies dare to attack the DPRK, they blooming a forest of harmony. rean people blessed with the leaders will be annihilated to the last one and no National Reunification The purity of our army and people's po- through generations will be demonstrated. stronghold of the aggressors in the world It is necessary to bring about a radical litical and ideological traits and the stead- We will launch a new year’s campaign will be safe. phase in the country's reunification this year fastness of our political system were pow- under the slogan “Glorify this year that We should make this significant year a under the banner of national independence. erfully demonstrated before the world. This greets the 90th birthday of President Kim year of a grand army-people march when The shortcut to independent reunification was the greatest victory won in the advance Il Sung as a year of a new surge in the build- the idea of assisting the army and loving of the nation is to value the basic spirit of under the red flag of socialism. ing of a powerful nation!” the people prevails all over the country. the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration Last year was a year of great progress and properly implement it. All the Koreans, when the flames of the new revolutionary Spirit of Giving Priority to Socialist System holding higher the slogan, “Reunify the surge of the new century flared up. Four Viewpoints country by the united efforts of our nation!”, Our socialist construction, which expe- We will bring the view of valuing our own must subordinate everything to the common rienced hardships for several years, has This year's revolutionary march forward socialist system into full bloom. interests of the nation, desist from syco- now entered a new phase of radical change. is a campaign to add brilliance to the dig- What is most important in this regard at phancy and dependence on outside forces We can dare to say with pride that we have nity and honor of Kim Il Sung’s nation with present is to speed up socialist economic and strengthen cooperation between the taken an offensive position in the building a full embodiment of the viewpoint that our construction so as to decisively improve the north and south. The south Korean authori- of an economic power, fully ready to launch leader, ideology, army and political system standard of people's living. ties are advised to abandon the “arch-en- an overall offensive. are most valuable. The cause of Korean “Glorify the greatest holiday of the na- emy” theory intended to stifle the fellow Last year was a year of the struggle to socialism is sure to triumph because the tion with proud achievements in building an countrymen in conspiracy with outsiders, smash the undisguised challenges of the leader is prominent, his idea is great, his economically powerful nation!” Under this abolish the anti-reunification, draconian imperialists and firmly defend the socialist army is powerful and its system is advanta- slogan, we will bring about a new peak in “National Security Law” and refrain from bulwark. geous. These four viewpoints represent the the development of socialist construction traitorous acts to sacrifice our national in- The army and people of the DPRK have spirit of socialist Korea vibrant with the will on all fronts. terests for the sake of outsiders. smashed every scheme of the imperialists, of Juche and an eternal slogan for the build- Great efforts will continue to be made for All attempts to ditch the June 15 North- reacting to their hard-line with the tough- ing of a powerful nation in the 21st cen- the development of the mining industry. South Joint Declaration must be rejected est stand. The Korean socialism, which is tury. Power, coal and metal industries and rail- resolutely. Peace on the Korean Peninsula confidently advancing along its right path way transport will be upgraded as a main and achievement of reunification by dint of unshaken by the fast-changing situation, has Leadership sector in economic construction and a national independence requires an opposi- become an inspiring banner for the peoples breakthrough for the economic develop- tion to aggression and war moves and a re- aspiring after progress, peace and social- The spirit of placing our leader in the pre- ment will be made in these sectors first. In moval of the danger of war. ism. eminent position will be displayed to the the agricultural sector, our Party policy of All the Koreans in the north, south and The brilliant victories we won in the first full. making a radical advance in agriculture will abroad must make persistent efforts to hold year of the new century are a manifestation The pure minds that regard their leaders be fully carried out to boost agricultural in check the war hawks’ acts of aggression of the greatness of respected Kim Jong Il, and the Sun's nation shining with the au- production. and military provocation and maintain the the distinguished socialist leader in our era, gust name of President Kim Il Sung as the Priority will be given to goods supply to peace of the country and the security of the and the fruition of the army-based revolu- best will be perpetuated in the hearts of our the popular masses and to the solution of nation. The imperialist warmongers must tionary line of the Workers' Party of Ko- people through generations. the problems arising in improving people's have a good understanding of the Korean rea. We should intensify in an all-round way daily life. people’s unshakeable will to reunification, At present, difficult and complicated is- on a higher level the work of defending and The changing situation and our revolu- abandon their attempts aimed at isolating sues arising in the world politics are now carrying forward the exploits of the Presi- tion have an urgent need to improve and and stifling the DPRK and withdraw the being successfully settled by Kim Jong Il. dent and display the spirit of devotedly de- perfect economic management on revolu- aggressive forces from south Korea imme- Whenever unpredictable happenings took fending Kim Jong Il and carrying out his tionary lines. diately. place, he always made a clear-cut judgment instructions to the last in a do or die spirit To ensure the highest profitability while The future of the Korean revolution that and analysis of them and advanced a cor- and with high results, not in words. adhering to socialist principles-- this is the is carrying forward the tradition of Mt. rect strategy to cope with them. main orientation to be adhered to in com- Paektu is very bright. It is a worldwide immortal feat of Kim Juche Idea pleting the socialist economic management, No matter what storm may roar, the Ko- Jong Il that he opened a grand prelude to which our Party has set. rean army and people will firmly defend our the 21st century when the socialist cause We will give priority to our ideology. Nation-wide attention will be paid to the idea, system and cause. will be accomplished under the banner of We will consider the Juche idea to be our the army-based policy. permanent strategic objective in the revo- General Secretary Kim Jong Il the joint editorial noted. Holding a slogan, lution. “Glorify the nation’s greatest holiday with We will stick to the independent stand in (Continued from page 1) proud achievements in building an economi- Domestic Tasks in 2002 the revolution and construction as required The New Year joint editorial called for cally powerful nation,” the editorial gave by the Juche idea. glorifying the year 2002 as a year of a new greater attention to socialist economic con- The New Year Juche 91(2002) is a year surge in the building of a powerful nation. struction. It indicated that the DPRK would of triumphant progress to further glorify the Military Putting an end to its “arduous march” in upgrade its power, coal and metal indus- history and exploits of late President Kim 2000, the DPRK made a breakthrough in tries and railway transport as main sectors Il Sung and great leader Kim Jong Il and a We will ensure that giving priority to the building of a powerful socialist nation, in economic construction. JANUARY 12, 2002 (3) calls and faxes for seat reservation poured Pyongyang officially announced that it in to agencies in charge of the organization would present “Arirang” as a national of this event from south Korea, China, the project. After the announcement, “ARIRANG” -- Unprecedented U.S., European countries and Latin Ameri- Pyongyang has conducted extensive public- can nations. ity campaigns both at home and abroad. Art Spectacle North Korea is planning to charter planes North Korean newspapers have carried de- from foreign airlines for the festival and has tailed information on “Arirang,” its related set up package tours which include articles and posters since last November. Two-month-long Festival May Attract Visitors from World sightseeing in Pyongyang, Mt. Myohyang TV systems began to broadcast a 5-minute and Kaesong. spot related to “Arirang” in January. Named after the well-known Korean folk North Korea newly opened an official song “Arirang,” the performance “will rep- Japanese-version of its Internet tourist site to attract more visitors to its upcoming commemoration ceremonies. (http:// www.dprknta.com) According to the website, the admission fee for a special seat is 300 US dollars and for a first-class seat is US$150. The fees for second-class and third-class seats are US$100 and US$50 respectively. Meanwhile, north Korea has proposed to allow south Korean visitors to travel to Pyongyang by overland route via Mt. An imagenary picture of “Arirang” Kumgang and Wonsan between April and June, when it holds the “Arirang” festival. Ri Sang Yong, PK Staff Reporter nastics, circus, stage decorations, modern Reportedly, the proposal was made few stage settings and stage lighting. days ago when Kim Yun Gyu, president of “If you miss an opportunity to see A strong gymnastic and artistic perfor- Hyundai Asan, organizer of the Mt. ‘Arirang,’ you will regret it for ever.” mance is expected to raise its curtain at the Kumgang tourism project, met north Ko- Publicity articles in north Korean media May Day Stadium on Rungra Islet in the rean officials at the mountain resort to dis- have introduced such a phrase by its tour- River Taedong. cuss the tourism project. ism agencies to attract visitors to “Arirang,” 100,000 performers -- artists who have It is reported that Pyongyang suggested an unprecedented large-scale mass gymnas- won prizes in international and domestic two routes through the DMZ to Pyongyang; tic display and art performance, which will contests and young people -- will take part one from Panmunjom through Kaesong to run from April 29 to June 29 in Pyongyang. in every event, which will consist of 4 chap- Pyongyang, and the other from the east coast “Arirang” is now in its last stage of re- ters and prelude, epilogue and be set with near Mt. Kumgang to Wonsan and then via hearsal in Pyongyang, attracting a consider- 10 background scenes. the North’s east-west highway to Pyongyang. able attention of people in the north, the south Pyongyang is now busy preparing to re- A poster of “Arirang” festival and overseas Koreans and various countries ceive visitors from south Korea and other For more information about “Arirang,” of the world. “Arirang” is a grand combined countries. According to the DPRK State resent national emotion and spirit handed please contact; work of art, which mixes mass gymnastic General Bureau of Tourism, Korea Interna- down through the history of Korea,” DPRK General State Bureau of Tourism displays and art performances with its famous tional Tourist Bureau and Korea Interna- Pyongyang said. URL: http://www.dprknta.com pieces of music, ethnic dances, artistic gym- tional Youth Tourist Company, inquiries, It was in November last year that E-mail [email protected]

Introduction of “Arirang” Tour The People’s Korea introduces an attrac- April 30 - May 3 (course No. K-0430) tive travel tour package to the DPRK to see the “Arirang” festival. Pyongyang-Kaesong-Mt. Myohyang The package is organized by the Chugai five-day course Travel Inc., a Tokyo-based Korean travel Depart from Niigata: April 28 - May 2 agency. (course No. N-0428) The travel agency offers a model tour Depart from Kansai International Airport: package which consists of two courses. April 26-April 30 (course No. K-0426), One of the attractive courses of the May 3-May 7 (course No. K-0503) model tour is a four-day and three-night tour; from Japan to Pyongyang via Tour fees Vladivostok and to Kaesong. The other course is a five-day and four-night tour; N-0502 176,000 yen (grade A) 172,000 from Japan to Pyongyang, Kaesong, yen (grade B) Panmunjom and Mt. Myohyang. K-0430 181,000 yen (grade A) 177,000 The Chugai Travel agency offers un- yen (grade B) matched access to north Korea and the at- N-0428 188,000 yen (grade A) 183,000 tractive “Arirang” festival to be held in yen (grade B) Pyongyang. K-0426 193,000 yen (grade A) 188,000 yen (grade B) Hotels K-0503 193,000 yen (grade A) 188,000 Pyongyang: Yanggak-do International yen (grade B) Hotel (grade A) Youth Hotel, Sosan Hotel, Ryanggang For more information, please contact; Hotel (grade B) Mt. Myohyang: Hyangsan Hotel The Chugai Travel Inc. 1-15-3, Higashi Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Date of Departure 110-0015, Japan TEL: +81-3-3835-3654 Pyongyang-Kaesong four-day course FAX: +81-3-3835-3690 Depart from Niigata: May 2 - May 5 URL: http://www.chugai-trv.co.jp (course No. N-0502) E-Mail: [email protected] Depart from Kansai International Airport:

Before the judgment of the Seoul Dis- trict Court, the lower court had ruled that Court Orders Seoul to the government should pay a combined 132 Compensate Residents million won in compensation to the resi- dents. In the suit, the plaintiffs charged that cal damage from the U.S. firing range. The resentatives of various tribes was set up on Near USFK Firing Range they have suffered physical injuries, hear- residents filed a lawsuit in February 1998, December 22,” the spokesman said and ing impairment and damage of property in- saying that they had suffered noise pollu- continued: A court of appeals in Seoul on January 9 volving their homes and livestock from tion, human losses and property damage “We welcome the formation of the gov- ruled that the south Korean authorities must shooting and bombing exercises at the since the firing range opened in 1952. ernment in Afghanistan on the basis of a compensate residents of Maehyang-ri, nearby Koon-ri Range on the west coast in broad-based national agreement. Consider- Kyonggi Province, near a U.S. military fir- Kyonggi Province. ing this as the first step to the stability and ing range, for damage resulting from shoot- It is reported that if the Supreme Court development of Afghanistan, we hope that ing and bombing exercises. upholds the lower court rulings, it will mark Pyongyang Welcomes Interim the interim government will promote na- The Seoul District Court ordered the the first time that south Korean residents will Government in Afghanistan tional harmony, achieve the prosperity of government to pay 14 plaintiffs in be awarded compensation for noise damage the country and contribute to regional Maehyang-ri between 11.05 million won caused by U.S. Forces in south Korea. The DPRK welcomed the establishment peace.” (8,409 dollars) and 9.75 million won (7,420 Maehyang-ri residents also plan to file a of a multi-ethnic interim government with Pyongyang has thus far criticized the dollars) each. suit to have the range closed. a mission to rebuild the war-torn country-- U.S. for its “retaliatory” bombing on Af- “We welcome the ruling,” Jon Man Kyu, According to news reports in south Ko- Afghanistan. It came in the form of a state- ghanistan which claimed the lives of numer- leader of the plaintiffs, was quoted as say- rea, a total of 2,222 residents jointly filed ment by a spokesman for the Foreign Min- ous innocent civilians in the country, warn- ing. “The U.S. military should stop bomb- the suit, seeking 20 million won from the istry on December 26, 2001. ing Washington that it would only cause “a ing immediately.” government for property and psychologi- “An interim government made up of rep- vicious circle of terrorism and retaliation.” (4) JANUARY 12, 2002

PK Report from Pyongyang Freezing Night, Neon Lights and People’s Bright Faces Busy Year-end Days

By PK Staff Reporter perature went down to ten degrees below zero and a freezing wind was blowing, but Pyongyang in December was very cold. people who gathered around the Grand In this period, the average temperature People’s Study House did not decrease, but drops to the freezing point. A hotelman increased. warned, “From now on, the real winter will On New Year’s Eve, the city of come. It will be getting colder.” “The peak Pyongyang doesn’t sleep. Various places in of cold is in January,” he added. the city were illuminated by neon lights. While, the preparations for winter had And a lot of people visited the statue of passed its peak. Children had a lot of fun General Kim Il Sung to pay homage to him. Photo shows Pyongyangites greeting the New Year 2002 in a street in Pyongyang in the snow. Adults were busy with year- And also buses and streetcars kept on run- covered with snow. end parties. The parties were generally held ning all day long from Dec. 31 to Jan. 2. on December 27, the last legal holiday of A photographer, who was taking com- the year, which the Socialist Constitution memorative pictures for visitors in front of stipulates. In the parties, they look back on the Mansudae Art Theater, said, “I think the past year, and talk about their wishes that people come here to commemorate the for coming year. year 2001, the second year after our ‘Ar- At the same time, in Pyongyang, we could duous March’ has finished. There have see vehicles with piled-up basic foodstuffs been a lot of changes in people’s life. Look- including soybean milk, Kimchi, bean paste, ing at the people’s bright faces, I can really soy sauce and so on. This must have been feel that. And in the coming year, we will the results of the energetic efforts of the advance toward a higher aim.” As he Korean people to increase food production looked moved and delighted. “I never under the slogan for a “Powerful Nation”. thought so many people would come here.” Certainly, the food situation has improved How did people at home spend on the and people looked hopeful about the future. last day of the year? I visited a worker’s On the last day of the year, most people house. They spend their very precious time clean up their hair and bodies at public with their families, because they can’t meet baths, barbershops or beauty salons to greet each other very often. So it was a special the New Year. day. There were sumptuous foods on the Photos show table. They talked about many things pleas- Pyongyang city in the A Sleepless Town -- Pyongyang antly watching TV programs, for instance, New Year holidays. about politics, economy, sports and so on. Exactly at the midnight of January 1st, And at exactly twelve o’clock midnight, all places of Pyongyang city resounded with the “National Anthem” flowed on TV. They the ringing bells, “the Song of General Kim made a toast “To General Kim Jong Il’s Il Sung”. This was the melody that the big health!” clock of the Grand People’s Study House In the residential area, lights were seen played. There was a child who tried to get in every house till the wee hours of the and did special service until Jan. 2. And People went to their first work from his own way, saying, “I'll not go back home morning. museums, botanical gardens, and zoos also Jan.3. In this way, a New Year begins in till I hear the ring of the bell.” The tem- Many restaurants and stores were open opened and bustled with families. Pyongyang.

Amnesty to Be Granted in DPRK on Roundup of Major Events on DPRK 90th Birthday of Kim Il Sung

The presidium of the DPRK Supreme nation and the common holiday of human- December 2001 People’s Assembly (SPA) promulgated a kind: decree dated Dec. 13, 2001 on declaring 1. An amnesty shall be granted for those an amnesty on the occasion of the 90th birth sentenced to reform through labor for com- 1 - 4 -- Charles Katman, executive di- 14 - 16 -- Kim Jong Il gave field guid- anniversary of President Kim Il Sung, April mitting crimes against the country and rector of the Korean Peninsula Energy De- ance to workers in the industrial domain in 15, 2002, the Korean Central News Agency people on the occasion of the 90th birth velopment Organization (KEDO), and his North Phyongan Province. reported on December 27. The decree says: anniversary of the great leader comrade party visited the DPRK. “The Presidium of the SPA of the DPRK Kim Il Sung. 18 -- The delegation of Chinese national makes the following decision to fully imple- 2. The amnesty shall take effect from 3 - 17 -- A Korean handicrafts exhibi- radio, movie and television head offices vis- ment the benevolent policy of the Workers’ January, Juche 91 (2002). tion was held at Nice in France. ited the DPRK. Party of Korea true to the intention of the 3. The cabinet and institutions concerned great leader comrade Kim Il Sung in his life- shall take practical steps to enable those 4 - 16 -- The 13th Asian Women’s Soc- 21 -- Kim Jong Il inspected unit No. 529 time and his cause to the run-up to his 90th set free to work and live in normal condi- cer Championships was held in Taipei. The of the KPA. birth anniversary, the greatest jubilee of the tions. DPRK women’s football team won the championship. 22 -- Kim Jong Il inspected unit No. 2833 of the KPA. 5 -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il met 1,000 Hectares of Fish Farms Built in 2001 Andrei Karlov, the new Russian ambassa- 24 -- Kim Jong Il and soldiers of the KPA dor to the DPRK. saw an art performance given by the KPA The DPRK built new fish farms cover- and technological basis. In this way it has merited choir. ing nearly 1,000 hectares in 2001, the Ko- opened up a new vista for developing the 6 -- The head of the DPRK delegation rean Central News Agency reported on fish breeding although the country’s con- made a speech at the 9th general confer- 24 -- The 10th anniversary of leader Kim January 4, quoting Song Thae In, chief en- ditions still remain difficult. ence of the UN Industrial Development Or- Jong Il’s election as Supreme Commander gineer at the Fish Farm Management Bu- The work of breeding sea fish together ganization (UNIDO), held in Austria. of the Korean People’s Army on Decem- reau under the Ministry of Fisheries. with that of breeding freshwater fish is now ber 24, 1991 was feted. In the past 5 years, the fish breeding area making brisk headway on various fish farms 10 -- The International KORYO society has trebled, it said and continued: in North Phyongan Province and other ar- opened its Pyongyang chapter. 27 -- Kim Jong Il visited the Kumsusan South Hamgyong Province has built a eas of the west coastal tideland. Memorial Palace and paid tribute to late modern youth fish farm covering scores of Modern stock breeding farms and spawn- 10 -- Paek Nam Sun, Foreign Minister President Kim Il Sung on the occasion of hectares and put its management on a sci- ing ponds have also been built in each prov- of the DPRK, met the Canadian ambassa- Constitution Day. entific and technological basis. As a result, ince, city and county. dor to the DPRK. a solid foundation has been laid to boost Modern catfish farms have also appeared 27 -- Kim Jong Il inspected unit No. 646 the production of freshwater fish including in different parts of the country. 14 -- A function to celebrate “DPRK of the KPA. rainbow-trout, crucian carp and carp. Fish production is on a steady increase Day” was held in Russia on the occasion North Hwanghae Province has also at the modern catfish farms built in various of the 10th anniversary of leader Kim Jong 27 -- The DPRK Foreign Ministry blamed placed the method of breeding fish by natu- areas including Songhwa, Samchon, Il’s election as supreme commander of the the Japanese government for the “uniden- ral food and food processing on a scientific Pukchang and Tongsin counties. KPA. tified ship” furor in Japan.