The commentary pointed out that Hyon expressed his stand to stick to the existing policy of confrontation while putting conditionality on the north's proposal for dialogue.

It recalled that opposition parties, civic and public organizations and all people now ardently desire to see the crisis on the Korean Peninsula tided over through south-north dialogue.

The unreasonable attitude of the Ministry of Unification indicates that it is not interested in peace on the peninsula, it noted, warning that if the ministry insists on that policy, it deserves to be censured for being anti-reunification and anti-peace forces.

It criticized the ministry for taking the lead in laying hurdles in the way of humanitarian work including the reunion of separated families and relatives and Red Cross talks for exchange and cooperation.

It urged the present authorities to opt for dialogue at an early date, not forgetting that there is now a golden chance to mend the south-north relations.