Nationwide celebrations.

Provided by 7DAYS.ae

The country was awash with patriotic festivities yesterday as the impoverished nation celebrated A"Dear LeaderA" Kim Jong-Il's 66th birthday with rallies, gala events and flower shows, state media said. Streets were festooned with banners and residents enjoyed special rations of sweets and shoes during the two-day holiday, as official reports trumpeted Kim's achievements.

Synchronised swimmers saluted Kim with a special performance, including numbers entitled 'Our General is Best', and 'Veneration for General'. Meanwhile the official Rodong Sinmun newspaper called for unity under Kim as he strives to turn the destitute nation into an economic powerhouse. A"The resolution to protect the leader with all our might is the core of the spiritual powerAA" it said.

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