Media Release

The death of Kim Jong Il , respectfully known as The Dear Leader of the Democratic Republic of Korea, will release a tide of grief amongst the nation of the DPRK, (North Korea).

The son and successor to the highly respected and much loved founding leader of the DPRK, President Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il provided the Korean people with a sense of security, unity and stability. The nation’s identity as an extended family has had first Kim Il Sung, and now Kim Jong Il as the patriarch.

With his sudden death there will be a feeling that the DPRK has lost more than a political figure. A Father of the nation has died.

As in any family the period of mourning will be a deeply disturbing experience for Koreans. Nevertheless this will be accompanied by a resolute determination that the nation will remain strong, stable and united.

During his leadership Kim Jong Il saw the need to retain and strengthen the defence capability in the face of hostile powers intent on destabilising the nation. Having achieved that he had focussed national attention on the agricultural and industrial sectors of the economy. Negotiations to enter into joint ventures with Chinese, Russian and western European interests for the modernisation of ports, trans-national transportation links, energy, have been priorities for Kim Jong Il in the last period of his life.

Despite hardship because of international sanctions, and natural disasters Kim Jong Il leaves a society with a belief in their own future, preferably in peaceful concert with the international community.

We call on New Zealand to give respect to a grieving people, to acknowledge future leadership, and to actively explore economic and social relationships which promote peace and unity.
Don Borrie
Chairman,
NZ DPRK Society.

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