Pyongyang, September 19 (KCNA) -- It is necessary to hold aloft the banner of independence in order to steadily advance the era of independent reunification which paved the way for the peace and reunification of the country and national prosperity, Rodong Sinmun Monday says this in a by-lined article.

It goes on:

Independence provides the Korean nation with a sure guarantee for becoming a master of its destiny and settling the issue of the country's reunification in conformity with its will and wishes.

If a nation maintains the stand of independence, it will attach importance to itself, deal with everything from the standpoint of dignity and interests of the nation and solve problems arising in carving out its destiny by its concerted efforts.

The historic June 15 joint declaration and the October 4 declaration, a programme for implementing it, embody the principle of national independence.

The idea of flunkeyism and dependence on foreign forces run counter to the principle of independence. The history of the Korean nation taught a bitter lesson that dependence on foreign forces leads to national ruin.

Independence serves as a powerful weapon for giving fullest play to the patriotic enthusiasm of the members of the nation to vigorously pave the way for development and prosperity.

The struggle of the Korean people to protect and achieve independence has by no means been a smooth sailing.

The inter-Korean relations were brought to catastrophe and the Korean people's movement for national reunification has undergone twists and turns because of the traitorous policy pursued by the south Korean authorities, bereft of independence. It is only the concerted efforts of the Korean nation which it can trust. It is only independence that makes the nation strong and leads it to prosperity. The south Korean authorities would be well advised to bear this deep in mind.