Minju Joson Tuesday observes in a bylined commentary in this regard:

These are the sinister remarks chilling the desire of the compatriots to see the relations between the north and the south improved and open a new phase of independent reunification through wide-ranging dialogue and negotiations.

It is the unanimous desire of the nation and the trend of the times that the issue of relations between the north and the south and the country's reunification should be settled through dialogue and negotiations.

Those who are talking about "sincerity" are well advised to go through every sentence of the joint statement of the DPRK government, political parties and organizations.

The joint statement did not put any precondition, while proposing wide-ranging dialogue and negotiations.

On the contrary, it made it clear that the north is ready to meet anyone anytime and anywhere from the standpoint of great national unity, letting bygones be bygones irrespective of party affiliation, political view and religious faith, if he or she is concerned about the prevailing situation and the destiny of the nation. Whether the north is sincere or not will be confirmed at the negotiating table.

Talking about "sincerity" before meeting with each other is an expression of a dishonest attitude.

The above-said remarks go to prove that they are still obsessed by the conception of confrontation with compatriots.

If the south Korean authorities sincerely want wide-ranging dialogue and negotiations, they should abandon such conception and take immediate actions to stop the smear campaign and provocative acts against the north.