North Korea unveils mosaic portrait of Kims
- 12 years ago
North Koreans held commemorative events in Pyongyang, as they prepare to mark the 100th birthday of its founder, Kim Il-sung.
Thousands of people gathered in Kim Il-sung square to witness the unveiling of a huge mosaic depicting the late leader and his son, Kim Jong-il.
The crowd were emotional, as they waved pink and red flowers during a speech by a senior official.
A tourist visiting a cottage where Kim is reported to have been born said she is confident his grandson, Kim Jong-un, would lead the country well.
(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS COMPANY WORKER KWON WON-SIM SAYING:
"As long as great comrade Kim Jong-un leads us, we can overcome any difficulty, and I think we will build a powerful nation that has a proud position which other nations in the world will look up to. This is not just my feeling, but also the feelings of all the Korean people."
North Korea has said it will launch a rocket carrying a satellite this week to coincide with the centenary celebration.
South Korean defence ministry said it is closely watching Pyongyang's activity, but could not tell exactly when the North will launch the rocket.
(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) SOUTH KOREAN DEFENCE MINISTRY SPOKESMAN KIM MIN-SEOK SAYING:
"The media says April 14 is most likely the date for the rocket launch. But the launch time and date heavily depends on the weather. The launching is being conducted by North Korea, not by us, so we cannot say when or whether or not they would launch it."
Pyongyang has said the rocket will be launched between April 12 and 16.
The United States, Japan and South Korea have said the rocket is a disguised ballistic missile test.
Sophia Soo, Reuters.
Thousands of people gathered in Kim Il-sung square to witness the unveiling of a huge mosaic depicting the late leader and his son, Kim Jong-il.
The crowd were emotional, as they waved pink and red flowers during a speech by a senior official.
A tourist visiting a cottage where Kim is reported to have been born said she is confident his grandson, Kim Jong-un, would lead the country well.
(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS COMPANY WORKER KWON WON-SIM SAYING:
"As long as great comrade Kim Jong-un leads us, we can overcome any difficulty, and I think we will build a powerful nation that has a proud position which other nations in the world will look up to. This is not just my feeling, but also the feelings of all the Korean people."
North Korea has said it will launch a rocket carrying a satellite this week to coincide with the centenary celebration.
South Korean defence ministry said it is closely watching Pyongyang's activity, but could not tell exactly when the North will launch the rocket.
(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) SOUTH KOREAN DEFENCE MINISTRY SPOKESMAN KIM MIN-SEOK SAYING:
"The media says April 14 is most likely the date for the rocket launch. But the launch time and date heavily depends on the weather. The launching is being conducted by North Korea, not by us, so we cannot say when or whether or not they would launch it."
Pyongyang has said the rocket will be launched between April 12 and 16.
The United States, Japan and South Korea have said the rocket is a disguised ballistic missile test.
Sophia Soo, Reuters.