The June 15 joint declaration and the October 4 declaration, the programme for implementing the former, are a key to improving the inter-Korean relations, the article notes, and goes on:

The declarations are the great programmes for reunification common to the nation as they were adopted at the north-south summits and solemnly made public before the world. They are the only guidelines for realizing reconciliation, unity and cooperation between the north and the south and developing the inter-Korean relations.

Nothing can replace the declarations in improving the inter-Korean relations and meeting the vital demands and interests of all Koreans for independent reunification, peace and prosperity.

If the south Korean authorities take sincere attitude with the firm will to improve the inter-Korean relations, these relations will turn into those of trust, reconciliation and cooperation.

If they truly want detente on the Korean Peninsula and the overhaul of the north-south ties, they should take the stand of "By our nation itself", not aligning with foreign forces and escalating confrontation with fellow countrymen.