Kim Jong Il has sent his condolences to the family of deceased former South Korean President Kim Dae Jung, according to a Chosun Central News Agency (KCNA) report dated Wednesday, the day of Kim’s death.
“I wish to express my condolences to Mrs. Lee Hee Ho and other members of his bereaved family,” it began, “Former President Kim Dae Jung may have passed away but his achievements, through which he fought to realize national reconciliation and unification, will remain with the nation.”
Rodong Shinmun, the daily publication of the Chosun Workers’ Party, put the condolence message on the second page of the 19th issue and released the news about former President Kim’s passing on the fourth page, according to the KCNA.
To obtain a copy of Rodong Shinum in South Korea takes a few days, but the KCNA and Chosun (North Korea) Central Broadcast (the state-controlled radio station) tend to introduce the main contents every morning.
The condolence telegram was announced just a day after Kim’s death. However, KCNA did not mention how it would be conveyed to the family.
North Korea has also signaled its intention to send a five-man delegation to Kim Dae Jung’s funeral, according to Democratic Party lawmaker Park Jie Won.
