Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- Leader Kim Jong Il died on a train from great mental and physical strain caused by his ceaseless journey of field guidance for building a prosperous and powerful country.

He had received medical treatment for his cardiac and cerebrovascular diseases for a long period.

However, he made uninterrupted field guidance tour to provide the people with better and best things, not taking care of his health.

This year his forced march for the improvement of the people's living standard, launched at the Nampho Glass Bottle Factory, continued to the Jongbangsan Combined Foodstuff Factory in North Hwanghae Province, the Huichon Ryonha General Machinery Plant and other places non-stop.

Some days before he passed away, Kim Jong Il visited the Hana Music Information Center and the Kwangbok Area Supermarket to be opened soon, working heart and soul for the people's civilized and rich life.

Wherever he visited, he had made tireless efforts, saying it is the will and determination of the Workers' Party of Korea to provide the people with the best things.

He valued and loved the people very much and always shared woe and weal with them in the whole period of his protracted revolutionary guidance.

Recalling the feats performed by him in the ceaseless forced march for the people, the army and people of the DPRK are now replete with the resolve to overcome sorrow and display strengthen and courage to make a leap forward in building a thriving nation under the guidance of Kim Jong Un, outstanding leader of the Party, the army and the people.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- Leader Kim Jong Il, father of the nation and lodestar of national reunification, devoted all his life to guiding all Koreans to the road of independence and great national unity.

The idea and policies put forth by him for national reunification serve as the most just guideline for carving out the nation's destiny, and they are ever-victorious strategy and tactics definitely guaranteeing the victory of the cause of reunification.

He formulated as Three Charters for National Reunification the three principles of national reunification, the 10-point programme of the great unity of the whole nation and the proposal for founding the Democratic Federal Republic of Koryo advanced by President Kim Il Sung.

The Five-Point Policy for Grand National Unity put forward by him is an immortal reunification program which indicates the correct way for developing on a higher stage the cause of unity pioneered and guided by the President.

The adoption of the historic June 15 North-South Joint Declaration and the October 4 declaration, achievements made on the road for national unity and reunification since then, the spirit of national independence fully displayed in the north and the south of Korea and overseas and the solidarity and coalition of all Koreans growing stronger with each passing day--these are a brilliant fruition of Kim Jong Il's idea and policies on national reunification.

Though he passed away, the movement for Korea's reunification will continue to advance vigorously under the leadership of General Kim Jong Un.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- Leader Kim Jong Il passed away to the people's grief before seeing the victory of the cause of building a thriving nation, reunification of the country and accomplishment of the revolutionary cause of Juche. The feats he performed by winning a victory after victory with his Songun politics, however, are recorded in the history of the country.

He honorably defended the socialist gains, the precious heritage left by President Kim Il Sung, with his original Songun politics and turned the country into an invincible political and ideological power in which single-minded unity has been achieved, a nuclear weapons state and a matchless military power.

He was born in the anti-Japanese battle area in Mt. Paektu and grew up hearing the command of charge shouted by anti-Japanese guerrillas. He nurtured the wisdom and courage of a great commander at the table of the supreme command for mapping out a plan of operation during the Fatherland Liberation War.

For decades since he started his Songun revolutionary leadership he has kept to the path of Songun going through thick and thin. This would have been unimaginable with the courage and pluck of an ordinary human being.

He brought only miracles and victories despite the worst difficulties with his extraordinary political caliber.

Mountain ranges of the frontline areas including Mt. Osong, Chol Pass and 1211 Height are associated with the countless immortal footsteps left by Kim Jong Il who continued his journey to the front day and night while dealing merciless heavy blows to the enemies.

Thanks to his Songun politics, miraculous scenes are being presented one after another on this land.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- The DPRK has turned into the sea of tears and grief.

The statues of President Kim Il Sung and mosaics depicting leader Kim Jong Il are crowded with people shedding bitter tears at the sad news of the demise of Kim Jong Il.

The army and the people are seized with the bitterest grief at the unbelievable news.

People, young and old, men and women, are calling Kim Jong Il, who gave tireless field guidance, making total dedication day and night to the happiness of the people till the closing days of the year in the wake of the difficult arduous march, the forced march.

Kim Jong Il's whole life was a heroic life.

He was born in Mt. Paektu, the sacred mountain of the revolution, as the son of guerrillas and grew up to be a great revolutionary. He wisely led the Workers' Party of Korea, the army and the people for decades, performing immortal revolutionary feats before the country, people, times and history.

He developed in depth the immortal Juche idea, the Songun idea founded by Kim Il Sung with his energetic ideological and theoretical activities and glorified it as the guiding idea of the era of independence, thus giving a steady continuity to the Korean revolution.

Kim Jong Il honorably defended the socialist gains and turned the DPRK into an invincible political and ideological power, a nuclear weapons state and a military power with the Songun politics despite the collapse of the world socialist system, the demise of Kim Il Sung which was the greatest loss to the nation, the imperialist allied forces' vicious offensive to stifle the DPRK and severe natural disasters.

He set forth the grand goal of building a thriving nation and led the nation-wide general onward march for its realization, thus bringing about great innovations and leap forward in socialist construction.

He led all the Koreans to the road of independence and the great national unity and ushered in the June 15 era of reunification in which the noble idea of "By the Korean nation itself" is coming true.

He energetically conducted external activities under the uplifted banner of independence against imperialism and enhanced the international prestige and dignity of the DPRK, making immortal contribution to the accomplishment of human cause of independence.

Looking back upon his life amid the bitterest grief, the Korean people are vowing to be faithful to the idea and cause of General Kim Jong Un, who is identical to Kim Jong Il.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- No sooner had the sad news of the demise of leader Kim Jong Il been reported than every worksite, family, street and village associated with his footprints turned into a veritable sea of mourners.

People in Jagang Province, creators of the Kanggye Spirit bitterly grieved his sudden demise as it was dear to Kim Jong Il during the Arduous March and a historic region where the great age of industrial revolution started in the new century under his guidance.

Their lamentation is particularly louder as Kim Jong Il visited it several times in a year to help them take the lead in the drive for defending socialism and pushing back the frontiers of latest science and technology.

Officials, technicians and workers of the Huichon Ryonha General Machinery Plant deeply grieved over the leader's demise, thinking of the field guidance given by him who made it win fame as a plant of national value through his tireless efforts and great devotion.

They said: "You promised us to visit our plant again with a congratulatory bouquet in your hand if you receive news of the production of a mother machine. Your demise is unbelievable. How can you go. It can't happen."

Such grief and lamentation were heard from every factory in the province which Kim Jong Il visited while making forced marches for field guidance in the whole year of 2011.

A huge crowd of mourners gathered at the Hamhung Plaza in South Hamgyong Province where a celebration of mass-production of vinalon, a great auspicious event of the country, took place in the presence of Kim Jong Il.

Workers of the February 8 Vinalon Complex, the Hungnam Fertilizer Complex and the Ryongsong Machine Complex called Kim Jong Il in chocking voices again and again, showing the vinalon fiber, a heap of fertilizers and latest geothermal facilities which pleased him so much.

They recollected with deep emotion the unforgettable time when they sang songs and danced in a banquet hall in the presence of Kim Jong Il in those dream-like days they spent in Pyongyang at his invitation. This made them more heartrending and regretful.

People in North Hwanghae Province mourned his demise in profound reverence before the mosaics depicting his image at the Migok Co-op Farm in Sariwon City, the Township of Koksan County, etc.

An endless stream of people in Nampho City including workers in Kangson visited the statues of President Kim Il Sung in Chollima District and the Chongsan Co-op Farm in Kangso District and the mosaics standing at the Chollima Iron and Steel Complex to mourn the leader's demise.

People of South Phyongan Province wept bitterly over his demise, regretting for failing to remain more loyal to him. Among them were agricultural workers in Wonhwa Co-op Farm in Phyongwon County which had the honor of registering the leader as its honorary farmer, and workers of the Namhung Chemical Complex.

People in Ryanggang Province mourned his demise before the statues of the President and Kim Jong Suk, an anti-Japanese war hero.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- People's wailing voices are rocking heaven and earth in the DPRK after the release of the news that leader Kim Jong Il passed away from sudden illness in the middle of his tour for field guidance.

Employees of the Fun Fair of Kaeson Youth Park are bursting into tears, saying they can never forget fatherly General Kim Jong Il who came to the park several times.

"When the respected General came here on December 4, an unusually cold day, we asked him to come on a nice day, not a day of such an unfavorable weather, saying there are lots of fine days. Kim Jong Il, with a smile on his face, said people should come on a fine day while he may come on such a bad day," they said.

"He passed away leaving behind his promise to come back next spring and watch our art performance. Heaven is so indifferent to us," they added.

A poet who wrote the verses of "The blue sky over my country" went to the square relying him on a stick. He, knocking the ground, cried "I can not see the sky. When you were with us, I could see its blue color but today I can not see it at all."

Former unconverted long-term prisoners went to the Mansudae Art Studio where they threw themselves before the mosaic portraying President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.

They lamented the demise of Kim Jong Il, saying he passed away so early even though he brought them, who were passing out as breathing fossil, back to his fold and gave happiness so that the whole world could envy them.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- The Korean people are stricken with indescribably bitter grief at the sad news of the sudden demise of leader Kim Jong Il.

His demise is the greatest loss to the Workers' Party of Korea and the revolution.

Born as a son of guerillas on Mt. Paektu, the holy mountain of the revolution, and grown up to be a great revolutionary, Kim Jong Il wisely led the WPK, the army and people for a long period, performing undying revolutionary feats on behalf of the country, its people, the times and history.

He, possessed of personality and qualifications as a great man on the highest and perfect level, led the revolution and construction along the path of steady victories with his profound ideologies and theories and outstanding leadership.

Considering it as his lifelong mission to carry to completion generation after generation the revolutionary cause of Juche started by President Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il pushed forward the Korean revolution in line with the ideas and intention of the President as the dearest comrade and the most loyal comrade-in-arms of the President.

Kim Jong Il comprehensively developed in depth the immortal Juche idea, Songun idea, fathered by the President and glorified it as the idea guiding the era of independence through his energetic ideological and theoretical activities. He firmly defended and carried forward the revolutionary traditions of Mt. Paektu with pure mind, thereby giving a steady continuity to the Korean revolution.

He developed the party, army and state to be the party, army and state of Kim Il Sung, put the dignity and power of the nation on the highest level and ushered in the golden days of prosperity unprecedented in the nation's history spanning 5 000 years.

One of his exploits was that he set a great example in accomplishing the cause of perpetuating the memory of President Kim Il Sung, thus making sure that the undying revolutionary life and exploits of the President always shine along with the eternal history of Juche Korea.

All the Korean people are now once again looking back upon the brilliant life of Kim Jong Il in profound reverence and renewing their unshakable determination to firmly defend his undying revolutionary exploits.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- The people in South Hamgyong Province are now stricken with deep grief, upon hearing the sad news that leader Kim Jong Il passed away of a sudden illness on his way to field guidance.

They are now mourning his demise with bitter grief, picturing to themselves the image of kind-hearted Kim Jong Il who visited various places of the province shortly ago to indicate an orientation and ways for putting on a fresh higher phase the overall economic work including the production of vinalon and fertilizers, geothermal equipment, varieties of custom-built facilities, mineral and nonferrous metals, fruit and grain.

Pak Chol, 42, worker of the February 8 Vinalon Complex, said:

"Kim Jong Il worked out a blueprint himself and worked heart and soul to put it into practice, leading the modernization of factories and enterprises which had been left no better than debris. Yet, he highly commended the workers there for the feats and bestowed the highest honor upon them. He was, indeed, a tender-hearted father."

He vowed to creditably play the role of vanguard and shock brigade in letting the torch lit by Kim Jong Il in South Hamgyong Province rage with greater force, bearing deep in mind the profound trust he reposed in them by helping them perform exploits and emerge innovators and making them well known throughout the country.

Jo U Jae, 30, workshop head of the Hungnam Fertilizer Complex, said: "The news was so shocking and unbelievable that I looked up to the image of tender-hearted Kim Jong Il in tears. I renew my firm will to turn out with courage for the accomplishment of the cause of Kim Jong Il."

"General Kim Jong Un represents our destiny and future. We are now fully confident of the future as we are led by Kim Jong Un."

Jang Un Sol, 42, work-team leader of the Tongbong Co-op Farm in Hamju County, said:

"I can never forget the image of smiling Kim Jong Il who visited my farm, clearly indicating the way to be followed by it and leading it with warm care. I pledge myself to bring about a fresh boost in agricultural production and thus thoroughly implement his behests."

The people from all walks of life in South Hamgyong Province are firmly convinced that under the leadership of Kim Jong Un the revolutionary advance of the Workers' Party, the army and the people of Korea will go on in the future, too.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- People in North Hwanghae Province of the DPRK are ardently calling leader Kim Jong Il, father of the nation, in bitter sorrow over his sudden demise.

In front of the statues of President Kim Il Sung in their residential areas those inhabitants writhed in agony of pain and grief at the great loss.

Among them were those who grew to be faithful officials of the Workers' Party of Korea, heroes and deputies to the Supreme People's Assembly under the deep trust and loving care of Kim Jong Il.

They also included persons who had honor of having a photo taken with him, war veterans, members of the youth league and the children's union, kindergarteners, servicepersons, producers of electricity and steel and agricultural workers.

Indeed, all the Korean people have cast in their lot with him and never thought of their honor, happiness, pride and dignity apart from his loving care. That is why they are lamenting so bitterly over his demise.

They cried for dear father, saying in unison: We cannot trust the news of his demise. How happy we were to see the image of the smiling leader on his way of field guidance some days ago. It is really unbelievable. It seems as if the earth was breaking down and sky falling."

Ri Hyon Sim (29), a peasant of the Migok Co-op Farm in Sariwon City, said:

Now we can hardly stand the sorrow and agony. However, we will overcome this sorrow and pain and display fresh strength and courage.

We are afraid of nothing as we have General Kim Jong Un and sure to win.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- The land of Jagang is stricken with deep grief at the loss of leader Kim Jong Il who devoted all his life to the freedom and happiness of the people, reunification of the nation and human cause of independence.

The statue of President Kim Il Sung is being visited by an increasing number of people.

Kim Jong Il, determined to open a breakthrough toward victory in the province during the Arduous March, visited the province time and again despite the intense midwinter cold and sweltering midsummer heat and brightly indicated the direction and way for it to follow. Yearning for his image the people vowed to carry out his last instructions to the letter.

Jo Jae Yong, 58, manager of the Huichon Ryonha General Machinery Plant, said: Kim Jong Il indicated the way to be followed by the plant in a friendly and ringing voice with a sunny smile on his face.

Giving field guidance to the plant in October he said the whole country is now benefiting from Ryonha machines, adding Ryonha is a friendly fellow traveler of our party. The workers of our plant will cherish that trust and honor and dash ahead like wind in the van of the industrial revolution of the new century.

Ri Sung Nam, 53, manager of the Kanggye Essential Foodstuff Factory, said Kim Jong Il did not pass away, vowing they would overcome the hard time under the leadership of General Kim Jong Un and remain faithful to the Songun leadership of the Party.

Pak Song Chol, 45, manager of the Kanggye Koryo Medicine Factory, said: We will absolutely entrust our destiny to General Kim Jong Un and keep to the path of Juche led by him. This is a unanimous pledge of not only me but all other employees.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- The Korean people are in bitter grief and sorrow over the sad news of the sudden demise of leader Kim Jong Il on Dec. 17, Juche 100 (2011).

The workers and other people of South Phyongan Province courageously rose above it and are renewing their firm determination to remain intensely loyal to General Kim Jong Un, true to the behests of Kim Jong Il.

Hwang Hyok Chol, 41, worker of the Pongchon Coal Mine, told a reporter:

"I can't keep back bitter grief over the biggest loss to the nation as I could watch on television the august image of Kim Jong Il providing field guidance only shortly ago.

"He was a peerlessly great man who dedicated himself to the people's happiness, making endless journeys for field guidance without having a holiday or rest and considering it as his pleasure to do something to make them happy.

"As long as we are under General Kim Jong Un identical to Kim Jong Il, the revolutionary cause of Juche will be given steady continuity and the Songun revolutionary cause is sure to triumph."

Rim Hyang, 22, woman farmer at the Maejon Co-op Farm, said: "Only when we remain true to the leadership of Kim Jong Un, the revolutionary cause of Juche and the Songun revolutionary cause is sure to be accomplished."

She vowed to demonstrate the mettle of Songun Korea in the efforts to build a thriving nation as desired by Kim Jong Il, holding high the torch lit in South Hamgyong Province.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- All Koreans are lamenting over the unexpected demise of leader Kim Jong Il, the great loss to the nation.

Among them are officials and employees of the Kwangbok Area Supermarket recently visited by Kim Jong Il.

They are throwing themselves into each other's arms and wailing over his death, saying it was just a few days ago when they saw him full of bean.

When Kim Jong Il said he was somewhat relieved to see the modern supermarket, they clung to his sleeves in happiness, they said.

We knew that he thought only of people but were not aware of how his health condition had been. How can we be called his soldiers and disciples, they lamented.

They said that they could hardly keep back their bitter sorrow, saying it is unbearable for them to think about sufferings he had to undergo, giving the field guidance till the last moments of his life for the happiness of his beloved people.

Kim Kyong Suk, 39, who had the honor of being received by Kim Jong Il said, "I hardly imagined he would visit our shop in a cold weather. When he actually came to my counter, I was so happy and made a bow to him. But finding his haggard face, I could hardly hold back tears."

Song Su Ryon, 24, a saleswoman of the supermarket, said "I can not believe that he really passed away. I wish that time would turn back so that he can come back to us."

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- People in North Hamgyong Province are overwhelmed with grief over the sudden demise of leader Kim Jong Il.

A great number of working people, servicepersons and students visited the statue of President Kim Il Sung in the provincial capital of Chongjin and big mosaics depicting the great persons of Mt. Paektu in different parts of the province to express their condolences.

They bitterly wept over the demise of Kim Jong Il, the great father of the Korean nation, unable to keep back their grief.

Kim Chol Jin, head of a workshop of the Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Complex, said he hardly imagined he would hear such shocking news.

"When thinking of the immortal dedication of Kim Jong Il and his tireless efforts, I feel my heart would break," he said.

"We will overcome grief and display redoubled strength and courage and work harder to win victory in the drive for building an economic power," he added.

Hwang Chol Nam, a worker of the Chongjin Steel Works, said Kim Jong Il devoted himself to the happiness of the beloved people all his life.

He vowed to hold him in high esteem forever and advance staunchly, true to the leadership of General Kim Jong Un.

Ri Chun Son, a work-team head of the Susong Co-op Farm in Songphyong District, Chongjin City, pledged herself to become a patriotic farmer in the era of Songun who devotedly defends General Kim Jong Un through the increased grain production true to the idea and leadership of Kim Jong Il.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- One day has passed after the sad news that leader Kim Jong Il passed away.

Anyhow, the Korean army and people's yearning for him, father of the nation, is growing stronger as the time goes by.

On Dec. 20, too, countless people are coming to the statues of President Kim Il Sung and mosaics portraying the peerlessly great persons in different parts of the country.

They were shedding copious tears of grief at the loss of the sun of the nation, who had shared joy and sorrow with the people, always going among them.

Mirrored on every face of them ardently calling the leader is the determination to devotedly implement his behests.

Pak Chol Yong, a soldier of the Korean People's Army, said, noting that he had honor of having a picture taken some days ago when participating in the art performance of soldiers of companies, selected at the 35th KPA servicepersons' art festival, in the presence of the Supreme Commander.

He went on:

It seems it was yesterday when we swore to surely accomplish the cause of building a thriving nation and realizing the national reunification under his presence. But all of a sudden he left us, and I can hardly repress my deepest regret at his demise.

We will devotedly safeguard General Kim Jong Un with arms, closely rallied as one in mind around him, and accomplish the revolutionary cause of Juche, the socialist cause, by all means true to the behests of Kim Jong Il.

Pak Chun Sil, a farmer of the Songam Vegetable Farm in Kim Chaek City, North Hamgyong Province, said she would work hard to increase grain production true to the behest of Kim Jong Il who worried so much for the improvement of the people's living standard.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- People in South Hwanghae Province of the DPRK are visiting the statue of President Kim Il Sung with bitter sorrow at the demise of leader Kim Jong Il.

Ri Il Nam (43), head of a sub-workteam of the Samjigang Co-op Farm in Jaeryong County, told a reporter:

We wanted to have Kim Jong Il on fields of bumper harvest again by doing well the new year's farming preparations, but he passed away to our regret.

I feel as if the sky were falling down.

Our sub-workteam members deplored that they had not done much more things true to his high intention over the past years, and keenly felt again how proud and happy the Korean people are as they had the wise leader.

All the farmers repeatedly pledged to bring about bumper harvest at any cost, true to his behests by overcoming sorrow and displaying strength and courage.

Kim Chol U (51), head of a workteam of the Unryul Mine, sobbed while saying that every part of the mine associated with the traces of Kim Jong Il's field guidance is soaked with workers' tears.

Yun Jong Hui (19), a girl student of Jo Ok Hui Haeju Teacher Training College, said:

Youth and students in the province are now burning their hearts with an oath to translate into a reality the plan for building a thriving nation by Kim Jong Il who devoted his all to the people.

Our students will discharge their duty as young vanguard in remaining true to the leadership of General Kim Jong Un who is identical to Kim Jong Il.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- Portraits of smiling leader Kim Jong Il were displayed at Kim Il Sung Square, the plaza of the April 25 House of Culture, the Party Founding Memorial Tower, the plaza of the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium and other places of Pyongyang Tuesday.

They were crowded with an endless stream of people carrying with them wreaths, bouquets and flowers prepared with sincerity. Roads leading to those places and residential areas contiguous to them became crowded with mourners in a minute.

These places turned into a veritable sea of mourners who bitterly wept, looking up to portraits of smiling Kim Jong Il.

Similar portraits were also displayed on the front walls of the Pyongyang Circus Theater and the Hana Music Information Center.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- A solemn ceremony took place in Pyongyang Tuesday to mourn before the bier of 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 at a time when the whole country is in the bitter sorrow at the unexpected sad news of his demise.

Kim Jong Un, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the WPK, together with senior officials of the party, state and armed forces organs, visited the bier of Kim Jong Il to express deep condolences with the bitterest grief.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- People's wailing voices are rocking heaven and earth in the DPRK after the release of the news that leader Kim Jong Il passed away from sudden illness in the middle of his tour for field guidance.

Employees of the Fun Fair of Kaeson Youth Park are bursting into tears, saying they can never forget fatherly General Kim Jong Il who came to the park several times.

"When the respected General came here on December 4, an unusually cold day, we asked him to come on a nice day, not a day of such an unfavorable weather, saying there are lots of fine days. Kim Jong Il, with a smile on his face, said people should come on a fine day while he may come on such a bad day," they said.

"He passed away leaving behind his promise to come back next spring and watch our art performance. Heaven is so indifferent to us," they added.

A poet who wrote the verses of "The blue sky over my country" went to the square relying him on a stick. He, knocking the ground, cried "I can not see the sky. When you were with us, I could see its blue color but today I can not see it at all."

Former unconverted long-term prisoners went to the Mansudae Art Studio where they threw themselves before the mosaic portraying President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.

They lamented the demise of Kim Jong Il, saying he passed away so early even though he brought them, who were passing out as breathing fossil, back to his fold and gave happiness so that the whole world could envy them.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- One day has passed after the sad news that leader Kim Jong Il passed away.

Anyhow, the Korean army and people's yearning for him, father of the nation, is growing stronger as the time goes by.

On Dec. 20, too, countless people are coming to the statues of President Kim Il Sung and mosaics portraying the peerlessly great persons in different parts of the country.

They were shedding copious tears of grief at the loss of the sun of the nation, who had shared joy and sorrow with the people, always going among them.

Mirrored on every face of them ardently calling the leader is the determination to devotedly implement his behests.

Pak Chol Yong, a soldier of the Korean People's Army, said, noting that he had honor of having a picture taken some days ago when participating in the art performance of soldiers of companies, selected at the 35th KPA servicepersons' art festival, in the presence of the Supreme Commander.

He went on:

It seems it was yesterday when we swore to surely accomplish the cause of building a thriving nation and realizing the national reunification under his presence. But all of a sudden he left us, and I can hardly repress my deepest regret at his demise.

We will devotedly safeguard General Kim Jong Un with arms, closely rallied as one in mind around him, and accomplish the revolutionary cause of Juche, the socialist cause, by all means true to the behests of Kim Jong Il.

Pak Chun Sil, a farmer of the Songam Vegetable Farm in Kim Chaek City, North Hamgyong Province, said she would work hard to increase grain production true to the behest of Kim Jong Il who worried so much for the improvement of the people's living standard.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- Upon hearing the important report that leader Kim Jong Il passed away so suddenly to their regret, the Korean people now pledge themselves to remain true to the leadership of General Kim Jong Un while overcoming the greatest sorrow of the nation and displaying redoubled strength and courage.

They had devotedly implemented the idea and cause of their leader, regarding him as a spiritual mainstay in the whole course of the revolution such as the anti-Japanese revolutionary struggle, the Fatherland Liberation War and the postwar reconstruction.

When President Kim Il Sung passed away on July 8, Juche 83 (1994), the greatest loss to the nation, the Korean people overcame their discouragement and sorrow and opened the new era of prosperity on this land, vowing to remain unboundedly faithful to the leadership of Kim Jong Il, true to the behests of the President.

Standing in the van of the Korean revolution at present is General Kim Jong Un, the great successor to the revolutionary cause of Juche and outstanding leader of the Party, the army and the people.

He is the eternally immovable mental mainstay of the Korean people.

The army and people of the DPRK will as ever hold Kim Jong Il in high esteem forever and remain loyal to the leadership of Kim Jong Un.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- Leader Kim Jong Il, father of the nation and lodestar of national reunification, devoted all his life to guiding all Koreans to the road of independence and great national unity.

The idea and policies put forth by him for national reunification serve as the most just guideline for carving out the nation's destiny, and they are ever-victorious strategy and tactics definitely guaranteeing the victory of the cause of reunification.

He formulated as Three Charters for National Reunification the three principles of national reunification, the 10-point programme of the great unity of the whole nation and the proposal for founding the Democratic Federal Republic of Koryo advanced by President Kim Il Sung.

The Five-Point Policy for Grand National Unity put forward by him is an immortal reunification program which indicates the correct way for developing on a higher stage the cause of unity pioneered and guided by the President.

The adoption of the historic June 15 North-South Joint Declaration and the October 4 declaration, achievements made on the road for national unity and reunification since then, the spirit of national independence fully displayed in the north and the south of Korea and overseas and the solidarity and coalition of all Koreans growing stronger with each passing day--these are a brilliant fruition of Kim Jong Il's idea and policies on national reunification.

Though he passed away, the movement for Korea's reunification will continue to advance vigorously under the leadership of General Kim Jong Un.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- From noon on Dec. 19 when the sad news of leader Kim Jong Il's demise was reported to the noon next day a total of more than five million citizens of Pyongyang visited the statues and portraits of the peerlessly great persons and mosaics depicting them and other places to mourn his demise.

An endless stream of people from all walks of life visited the statues of President Kim Il Sung standing on Mansu Hill, Ryongnam Hill, Jangdaejae Hill and other places to express condolences over his demise.

Those engaged in the construction of Mansudae area, officials of ministries and national institutions and students of Kim Il Sung University and Kumsong Secondary School No. 1 rushed there in bitter grief.

The number of mourners thronging to Mansu Hill increased as time went by. Around 3 p.m. they packed not only the ground before the statue of the President but the road stretching to it from the construction site.

The mourners' number reached 450 000 at dawn on Tuesday and it went beyond 800 000 at noon.

They were grieving over his demise in bitter sorrow. Among them were those who could not stand to their feet.

Countless women, young and old, were in their mourning clothes with white ribbons on their heads.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- A spokesman for the Federation of Koreans in the United States on Monday released a statement on the demise of Kim Jong Il, chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission.

The statement expressed deep condolences over his demise.

The efforts made by the Chairman to put an end to the national division and achieve the prosperity and reunification of the country and his feats will go down forever in the history of the Korean nation, it said.

The federation sends condolences to the compatriots of the DPRK in the bitterest grief, it added.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea, on Monday received a message of condolences from Raul Castro Ruz, first secretary of the C.C., Communist Party, president of the Council of State and president of the Council of Ministers of Cuba.

The message said:

Dear Comrade,

I, on behalf of the Communist Party, government and people of Cuba, express most profound condolences to you over the demise of the great leader of the Korean people Comrade Kim Jong Il, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK.

Please accept my best regards.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- Xinhua news, People's Daily and CCTV and ITAR-TASS Monday reported about "Notice to all party members, servicepersons and people" issued in the DPRK on the demise of leader Kim Jong Il.

This sad news was also aired or carried by Prensa-Latina of Cuba, Kyodo and Jiji news, Mainichi Shimbun, Asahi Shimbun, Tokyo Shimbun, Nihon Keizai Shimbun and NHK of Japan and AFP of France, ABC of Australia, AP, UPI, ABC, CNN, VOA, Washington Post, New York Times, USA Today, International Herald Tribune and Baltimore Sun of the United States.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- The Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea Monday received a message of condolences from the national leader of the C.C., Communist Party of Canada (Marxist-Leninist).

The message said:

We heard the news of the demise of leader Kim Jong Il, the greatest loss, in bitter grief.

The members and activists of the Communist Party of Canada (Marxist-Leninist) join you in expressing condolences and, at this time of greatest loss and grief, extend our full support to you.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- A solemn ceremony took place in Pyongyang Tuesday to mourn before the bier of 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 at a time when the whole country is in the bitter sorrow at the unexpected sad news of his demise.

Kim Jong Un, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the WPK, together with senior officials of the party, state and armed forces organs, visited the bier of Kim Jong Il to express deep condolences with the bitterest grief.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- A solemn ceremony took place in Pyongyang Tuesday to mourn before the bier of 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 at a time when the whole country is in the bitter sorrow at the unexpected sad news of his demise.

Kim Jong Un, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the WPK, together with senior officials of the party, state and armed forces organs, visited the bier of Kim Jong Il to express deep condolences with the bitterest grief.

The Kumsusan Memorial Palace, the mourning place, was in a solemn atmosphere.

The bier of Kim Jong Il was seen lying among flowers, covered by the red flag.

Marked on the front of the bier were the years of "1942-2011" as well as the national emblem of the DPRK.

Seen before the bier were shoulder straps of the DPRK Marshal, Kim Il Sung Order, Kim Il Sung Prize, medals of the DPRK hero and labor hero and lots of other orders and medals the army and people of the DPRK presented to him in recognition of his great feats.

Seen beside the bier was a wreath from Kim Jong Un, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the WPK.

Members of the National Funeral Committee were standing guard by the side of the bier and guards of honor of the three services of the Korean People's Army and the Worker-Peasant Red Guards were standing on either side of the bier.

Amid the solemn playing of funeral music, Kim Jong Un entered the hall where Kim Jong Il lies in state.

Kim Jong Un observed a moment's silence in the bitterest grief together with leading officials of the party, state and armed forces organs before going round the bier.

The participants remained long before the bier, wailing over the sudden and grievous death of Kim Jong Il, outstanding leader of the party, state and army, peerlessly illustrious commander of Songun and benevolent father of the people.

They included Kim Yong Nam, Choe Yong Rim, Ri Yong Ho, Kim Kyong Hui, Kim Yong Chun, Jon Pyong Ho, Kim Kuk Thae, Kim Ki Nam, Choe Thae Bok, Yang Hyong Sop, Ri Yong Mu, O Kuk Ryol, Kang Sok Ju, Pyon Yong Rip, Jang Song Thaek, Kim Jong Gak, Kim Yang Gon, Kim Yong Il, Pak To Chun, Choe Ryong Hae, Kim Rak Hui, Thae Jong Su, Kim Phyong Hae, Mun Kyong Dok, Ju Kyu Chang, U Tong Chuk and Kim Chang Sop.

Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- "General Kim Jong Un is the prominent leader of our party, army and people. We will remain faithful to his leadership under whatever circumstances with deep trust in him only."

This is what Jong Kum Hyok, 20, a student at Literature College of Kim Il Sung University said.

Young Koreans are not only in tears of grief at that unbelievable sad news of leader Kim Jong Il's demise, he said, adding: Their hearts are burning with the faith and will to remain loyal to Kim Jong Un.

An instructor of the C.C., Kim Il Sung Socialist Youth League, Kan Ok Ryon, 26, said:

Under the leadership of Kim Jong Un we, youths, will creditably take over the baton of revolution and successfully accomplish the revolutionary cause of Juche pioneered by President Kim Il Sung and led to victory by Kim Jong Il.