Yonhap
8/15/2007
North Korea, celebrating the 62nd anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japan’s 1910-45 colonial rule on Wednesday, called on its people to make concerted efforts to build a strong socialist economy.
The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the North’s Workers’ Party, said in an editorial that there is no more urgent task than reconstructing the national economy and improving the people’s livelihood.
“On the economic front, the principles of socialism and utilitarianism should be thoroughly observed … All potentials and resources should be fully mobilized to boost production and construction,” said the paper.
“Food problem has to be addressed, while the light industry sector has to be revolutionized in order to mass-produce high-quality consumer products. Economic reconstruction and improvement of public livelihood are the most urgent tasks facing the nation.”
But the editorial still allotted much of its space to eulogizing the accomplishments of the North’s late founding leader Kim Il-sung and his Songun (military first) policy.
“The president’s plan for building a rich and powerful country is being carried out in all fields thanks to the Songun leadership of Kim Jong-il. The country in which the great Songun politics is being successfully applied will make ceaseless creations and leaping progresses and the president’s behest will come true in the socialist country,” said the paper, referring to the elder Kim as the president.
