Rodong Sinmun Monday says this in a bylined article.

In order to improve the relations, it is prerequisite for the south Korean authorities to take the stand of attaching importance to the nation, away from the concept of escalating the deep-rooted confrontation with fellow countrymen, the article says, adding:

If the south Korean authorities are sincerely concerned for the destiny of the nation and interested in the peace and reunification, they should not hesitate to improve the relations with the north.

To terminate the political and military confrontation between the north and the south of Korea is essential for improving the relations.

Important here is to remove all political barriers lying in the way of improving them.

The "National Security Law" which brings the south Koreans pain and all other Koreans harms should be repealed at an early date and people from all walks of life be ensured political freedom and democratic rights including the right to discuss issues for the country's reunification and freedom of activities.

The confrontation and tension between the north and the south are running high at present. What is urgent under this situation is to promote national reconciliation, cooperation and unity.

To this end, not only authorities but people from all walks of life in the north, the south and abroad should make active visits, contacts and cooperation.

The June 15 joint declaration and the October 4 declaration should be respected and thoroughly implemented under any circumstances. This is the principled stand of the DPRK.