He said in the statement that the adoption and publication of the joint declaration were a historic event which brought about an epochal turn in the reunification movement of the Korean nation.

The joint declaration is a cornerstone for the development of the inter-Korean relations and great programme for Korea's reunification as it indicated the basic principles in achieving national reconciliation, unity and reunification and ways to do so, he noted.

The present chief executive of south Korea let loose a string of remarks challenging the reunification of the Korean Peninsula, he said, demanding the south Korean authorities pay attention to the proposal for reunification by federal formula which was solemnly declared at home and abroad through the joint declaration.

He expressed the firm belief that under the wise leadership of Kim Jong Il all the Koreans will certainly achieve the independent and peaceful reunification of the country under the banner of the joint declaration.