Kim Jong Il (Front), top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), inspects Unit 1489 under the Artillery Command of the Korean People's Army in this undated picture released by Korean Central News Agency of the DPRK (KCNA) on Jan. 5, 2009. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    PYONGYANG, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- Kim Jong Il, the top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), inspected an artillery unit of the Korean People's Army (KPA) and urged the soldiers to defend "the cause of building a prosperous powerful nation," state media said Monday.

    Kim visited Unit 1489 under the Artillery Command of the KPA and watched some firing training, the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers' Party of Korea, reported without giving the date of the inspection.

    Kim said the cause of "building a great prosperous powerful nation," the national goal of the DPRK, was sure to be accomplished as long as the army had unshakable faith in its leader and was equipped with "all type modern offensive and defensive means."

    It was the second report of the top leader's public appearance in January by state media. It was reported Saturday that Kim inspected a leading tank unit and congratulated the KPA servicemen on the New Year.

Kim Jong Il (R), top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), inspects Unit 1489 under the Artillery Command of the Korean People's Army in this undated picture released by Korean Central News Agency of the DPRK (KCNA) on Jan. 5, 2009. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

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