European Regional Seminar on Juche Idea for
“Independence and Peace in Contemporary World” Held

   A European Regional Seminar on the Juche Idea for “Independence and Peace in the Contemporary World” was held in Rome on October 7, 2017 under the auspices of the European Regional Society for the Study of the Juche Idea (ERSSJI).
   Taking part in the seminar were delegates from Juche idea study groups in France, Italy, Finland, Russia, Romania and the UK besides Juche idea researchers from various parts of Italy.
   Also, the Secretary General of the International Institute of the Juche Idea (IIJI) and his party and a delegation of the Korean Association of Social Scientists (KASS) joined the seminar.
   Prof. Matteo Carbonelli, secretary general of the ERSSJI, who is also professor at the University of Foreigners of Perugia, Italy, presided over the seminar.
   In his opening address, Secretary General Matteo Carbonelli highlighted the significance in holding a seminar as such, extending his gratitude to those who took part in the seminar on behalf of the sponsorship.
   In reference to the contemporary situation of the world including that of the European countries whose interests and security are being infringed upon in his report to the seminar, Prof. Emeritus Edmond Jouve at University of Paris Descartes, who is also director general of the ERSSJI Board, put an emphasis on the importance that individual countries hold fast to their independent stands.
   He pointed out that the DPRK has been advancing along the road of independence, the road of Songun, and the road of socialism without being shaken under any threats and sanctions imposed by US imperialism, by relying on its own technology and resources and building its Juche-oriented armed forces. Then he said that this is the victory of the Juche idea.
   Dr. Ogami Ken-ichi, secretary general of the IIJI, made a lecture entitled “Toward Europe Aiming for Independence and Anti-imperialism, Lasting Peace” comprising: 1. Ambition of US imperialism to dominate the world with military power; 2. The DPRK taking the lead in anti-imperialism and independence; 3. To build Europe of independence and peace.
   Pointing out some aspects of the features of the world since World War II that individual countries have got accustomed to such a way of existence as being subjugated to US imperialism under the continuation of US-centred world domination, Secretary General Ogami Ken-ichi mentioned: The DPRK is the only country that has come to have a political, ideological, and military guarantee for existing as an independent nation without being subjected to the US, while keeping its dignity as a sovereign state.
   Saying that the path advanced along by the DPRK can be a guideline or an encouragement to the world people, not far from the threat to them, he suggested that Juche idea researchers wage their struggles for building a world of independence and peace, while strengthening the sense of solidarity with the DPRK.
   Prof. Aldo Bernardini at University of Chieti, Italy mentioned the international political movements since World War II, from the frustration of socialism in the USSR in 1991 till now in particular.
   After explaining how and why the DPRK came to withdraw from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and possess nukes in the first decade of the 2000s, he stressed the necessity of promoting the sense of solidarity with the DPRK.
   Similarly, other delegates from some of individual countries in Europe presented their papers, stressing the necessity of study and dissemination of the Juche idea in reference to the situations of their own countries and the region.

   The Vice Director-General of the KASS made a congratulatory speech.
   The seminar became an occasion that made it possible for the participants to make a deeper understanding of Kimilsung-Kimjongilism with a correct recognition of the contemporary world.

   After the seminar was over, the 12th meeting of the Board of Directors of the European Regional Society for the Study of the Juche Idea took place in Rome.
   At the beginning of the Board meeting, one minute’s silent tribute was offered for the repose of the souls of late Prof. Emeritus Bruno Amoroso at Roskilde University, Denmark, who passed away in January this year, after taking office as deputy director-general of the ERSSJI for a long time.
   Those Board members exchanged candidly their opinions and views on the present situation of studying and disseminating the Juche idea in individual countries in Europe and their forward tasks to do.
   Further, there was a proposal of a by-election of deputy director-general of the ERSSJI Board by its secretary general Prof. Matteo Carbonelli. Mr. Juha Kieksi, who is director of the IIJI Board and also president of the Finnish Society for the Study of the Juche Idea was unanimously elected deputy director-general of the ERSSJI Board.