Rodong Sinmun Friday says this in a bylined article.

If the issue of national reunification is to be solved according to the will and wishes of the Korean nation, it is necessary to view and approach everything from an independent stand and resolutely reject interference by outside forces, the article says, and goes on:

It is important to give priority to the nation. The destiny of an individual depends on the fate of the nation. Adhering to the stand of national independence alone can ensure the dignity and sovereignty of all members of the nation.

It is the bounden duty and obligation of all members of the nation to attach importance to the nation and place the common interests of the nation above anything else in the present era when it is advancing under the banner of June 15 joint declaration.

The master key to improving the inter-Korean relations and bringing a rosy future of national reunification and prosperity lies in firmly maintaining the stand of national independence and placing the nation above anything else as required by the north-south declarations.

The struggle to uphold and implement the declarations is accompanied by a struggle to meet all the anti-reunification challenges.

All Koreans at home and abroad should resolutely maintain the above-said stands called for by the joint New Year editorial and thus brilliantly decorate this year as a year of victory for bringing about a landmark phase of national reunification.