Kim Jong Il shows on DPRK firework ceremony

PYONGYANG, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Kim Jong Il, the top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), attended on Tuesday a firework ceremony to commemorate the 97th birthday of Kim Il-sung, the late DPRK leader.

Kim waved to tens of thousands of people from all over the country at the ceremony held in the riverside of Taedong-Gang in Pyongyang, official newspaper Rondong Simun reported.

The newspaper also showed a picture of Kim watching the fireworks with senior officials around him. The report said the fireworks displayed the dignity and power and indicated the bright future of DPRK.

Also present at the firework ceremony are diplomatic envoys of different countries and some foreign guests.

The birthday of the late leader Kim Il-sung on April 15 is called Day of Sun. The capital Pyongyang is suffused with a festive atmosphere during the two-day holiday. Many events as art performances, photo shows, film shows, evening galas, sports games and firework shows were held in the capital and other cities.