As already reported, a series of the working-level talks between the authorities of the north and the south of Korea for the normalization of the Kaesong Industrial Zone amid the great concern of the public at home and abroad resulted in the adoption of an agreement on the eve of the 68th anniversary of Korea's liberation, bringing delight and hope to all the fellow countrymen and demonstrating the will and potential power of the Korean nation for reunification.

The agreement is a shining fruition of the unanimous desires and active support by all the Koreans for reconciliation, unity, peace, reunification and prosperity.

With the agreement the zone was saved from the crisis of closure and could be put back on its normal track, entering its road of fresh development. This has positive impact on the overall development of the north-south relations and the situation in the vicinity of the Korean peninsula.

That's why all the Koreans in the north and the south and the whole world warmly welcome the agreement, sincerely hoping that both sides would make a big progress in their relations.

The DPRK in the June 6 special statement by the CPRK spokesman and in its message sent to the south side on July 10 already proposed holding working-level talks for the Kaesong Industrial Zone, resuming the tours to Mt. Kumgang resort and holding the reunion of separated families and their relatives timed for the Harvest Moon Day.

The south side in the speech for celebrating August 15 proposed holding the reunion of separated families and their relatives on the occasion of the Harvest Moon Day and sent a relevant message through the Panmunjom Red Cross liaison channel.

Now increasing in south Korea are voices demanding the resumption of tours to Mt. Kumgang along with the reunion of separated families and their relatives, and not only such opposition parties as the Democratic Party but the ruling "Saenuri Party" are actively calling for the resumption of the tours.

The Kaesong Industrial Zone and the tours to Mt. Kumgang resort are valuable works common to the nation which should not be delayed as they are symbols of reconciliation, unity, reunification and prosperity.

Now that the issue of the zone has entered the phase of solution, the tours to Mt. Kumgang have to be resumed and this will be very beneficial to improving the north-south ties.

Now is the time for the north and the south to make joint efforts for the improvement of the north-south ties and peace and common prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.

The CPRK clarifies the following proposals upon authorization out of the fixed stand to advance the north-south ties and open up a new phase for peace, reunification and prosperity:

1. The reunion of separated families and their relatives shall be made in Mt. Kumgang resort on the occasion of the upcoming Harvest Moon Day and their video meetings be made timed for the anniversary of the October 4 declaration.

To this end, the north and south Red Cross working-level talks shall be held on Aug. 23, as proposed by the south side, in Mt Kumgang resort and during the talks they will be allowed to look round the hall of reunion and take field measures for its use.

2. The working-level talks between the authorities of the north and the south shall be held for the resumption of tours to Mt. Kumgang resort.

The working-level talks shall discuss package issues of the south side's concern including the issue of preventing the recurrence of the tourist case, the issue of ensuring personal safety and the issue of property.

The talks shall be held on August 22 in Mt. Kumgang resort.

The resumption of the tours to Mt. Kumgang following the normalization of the Kaesong Industrial Zone will bring bigger joy to all the Koreans.

3. The work for the peace on the Korean Peninsula and prosperity common to the nation shall be activated.

All work for the national reconciliation, unity and peace and reunification of the country shall be actively pushed forward in various fields to strengthen compatriotic bonds between the north and the south.

The implementation of the north side's proposals will help greatly advance the north-south ties, deepen trust between the two sides and accelerate national reunification.

Consistent is the stand of the north side to improve the relations with the south and achieve peace, reunification and common prosperity.

If the north and the south make joint sincere efforts in the same spirit of mutual understanding and confidence as was shown in the working-level talks for the normalization of the Kaesong Industrial Zone, there will be no problem insoluble in relations between the north and the south.

We believe that the south side's authorities will duly respond to our proposals which reflect the desires of all the fellow countrymen and the expectation of the public at home and abroad.