Rodong Sinmun Monday observes this in a signed article.

It goes on:

The main purpose of the inter-Korean dialogue is to solve independently the issue of the destiny of the nation.

In order to develop the inter-Korean dialogue as required by its main purpose and mission, it is necessary to orient it into one for national unity and reunification.

Success or failure of the inter-Korean dialogue hinges upon how both sides approach the dialogue.

The spirit of "By our nation itself" represents the main stand and attitude that should be maintained in the inter-Korean dialogue.

For the inter-Korean dialogue to become true negotiations for achieving national unity and solving the issue of reunification, the south Korean authorities should make a switchover to the stand of reconciliation, unity and reunification from the stand of confrontation.

Through this policy switchover they should join hands with fellow countrymen and opt for independently carving out the destiny of the nation.

The inter-Korean dialogue should be based on the principle of achieving national unity and solving the issue of reunification on the basis of the historic June 15 joint declaration and the October 4 declaration.

The south Korean authorities should refrain from deliberately laying obstacles and difficulties in the way of improving the inter-Korean relations and vitiating the atmosphere of the dialogue. The inter-Korean relations can never improve, should they stage madcap joint military exercises with foreign forces, block visits and contacts of pro-reunification figures and pursue the dialogue for confrontation.

It is the consistent stand of the Workers' Party of Korea and the government of the DPRK to achieve national unity and solve the issue of reunification by developing the inter-Korean dialogue. The DPRK will as ever continue making every possible sincere effort to bring earlier independent reunification by peaceful means through inter-Korean dialogue and negotiations.