In a commentary on Jan. 21 the organization said that the Seoul Central District Court sentenced Rev. Han Sang Ryol, a pro-reunification champion, to five years in prison and five-year suspension of qualifications. The court also convicted Han Chung Mok, co-representative of the Solidarity for Progress, Jong Tae Yon, former chairman of its Policy Committee, and Choe Yong Ok, vice-chairperson of its Independent Reunification Committee, the commentary said, adding:

In order to remove the tension prevailing on the Korean Peninsula, the north and the south of Korea should sit face to face and search the way for independent and peaceful reunification.

The south Korean authorities should not antagonize the north but join hands with it for reunification.

The organization in a commentary on Jan. 20 voiced the expectation that the north-south high-level military talks would be held successfully, contributing to the improved north-south relations and peace.