30th April Spring Friendship Art Festival Opens in DPRK

　 Pyongyang, April 12 (KCNA) -- The 30th April Spring Friendship Art Festival opened with due ceremony at the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre here Monday. Minister of Culture Pak Chun Nam, chairman of the festival organizing committee, said in an opening speech that the festival has promoted friendship, solidarity, exchange and cooperation among countries and nations and contributed to human culture by giving successful performances with songs praising the great persons and songs of independence, peace and friendship. He expressed belief that the participants of the festival would proudly show the excellent cultural tradition and development of arts in their countries and nations, deepen friendship and swap precious successes and experience through the performances. Congratulatory speeches were made. Then a performance was given by Korean artistes. The festival will last till April 17. It will involve group, individual and joint performances at various theaters in Pyongyang. -0-