Central Reporting Session Celebrates the 11th Anniversary of Kim Jong-il's Chairmanship of the National Defense Committee
ROK Ministry of Unification
2004-04-30
Summary
¡á On the occasion of the 11th anniversary of Kim Jong-il's Chairmanship of the National Defense Committee, which began on April 9, 1993, North Korea held the Central Reporting Session at the "April 25 Cultural Hall" on April 8, with the participation of senior executives from the Labor Party, the military, and the political arena, as well as overseas North Koreans. The Central Broadcasting Station recorded and broadcasted the event from 18:00 to 18:50.
- Senior executives: Kim Yeong-nam, Jo Myeong-rok, Yeon Hyeong-muk, Kim Young-chun, Kim Il-cheol (reporter), Lee Yong-mu, Jeong Byeong-ho, Han Seong-nyong, Kim Cheolman, Yang Hyeong-seop, Kim Guktae, Jeong Ha-cheol (master of ceremony), Kim Jung-nin, Kim Gi-nam, Lee Eul-seol, Lee Jong-san, Lee Yong-yeon, Lee Ha-il, Park Gi-seo, Jeon Jae-seon, Kim Yeong-dae, Yoo Mi-young, etc.
Note) On April 7, North Korea held the "Pyeongyang Youth Student Congratulatory Convention," the "Korean Democratic Women's Union Congratulatory Event," and the "Working Class and Workers' Union Congratulatory Gatherings." On April 8, the "Ministry of the People's Armed Forces Congratulatory Evening Party" was held at the All Victory Plaza with Jo Myeong-rok, Kim Young-chun, Kim Il-cheol and others participating.
Major Report contents
¡á The North emphasized propagandizing Kim Jong-il's "Military-First" policy. At the same time, they urged for:
- the strengthening of the military industry through state-of-the-art military science and technology as well as the fortification of the function of the National Defense Committee, clearly expressing their will to continue their policy of placing emphasis on the military.
¡á Additionally, the North emphasized the need to enhance the living standards of the people by advancing the economy, science and technology in the age of "Military First" and through stimulation of the economy.
¡á In accordance with the Party's unification policy and the June 15 Joint Statement, they urged the people to realize national unification through the cooperation of the Korean people under the belief that Koreans are superior.
¡á As long as the US is being deceptive by using dialogue as a means of stalling the talks, while threatening the North with their military power, the North emphasized that it will further strengthen the quality and scale of its nuclear deterrence power.
Analysis
¡á Since this is the 11th anniversary of Kim Jong-il's chairmanship of the National Defense Committee and not an event ending in 5 or 0, the preliminary congratulatory event was simpler than last year's.
Note) Unlike last year, the Central Art Exhibition and the issuance of commemorative stamps and other events did not take place.
¡á In this year's Central Reporting Session,
- they praised the greatness and achievements of Kim Jong-il's Military-First policy and propagandized the rationale behind strengthening the powers of the National Defense Committee.
- they criticized the fact that US military equipment was being brought into the South and that the US and the South were conducting joint military training exercises, hinting that they would fortify their nuclear deterrence power.
¡á Through this year's congratulatory events, North Korea tried to induce absolute loyalty towards Kim Jong-il. At the same time, it:
- stressed the principles of emphasizing and placing the military first and propagandized the policy of prioritizing the military industry;
- highlighted the military spirit and urged North Koreans to work harder for economic recovery; and
- tried to consolidate its internal solidarity by emphasizing oneness and the unity between the military and the people.
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