The Koreans have suffered the bitter tragedy of national partition forced by outsiders for over six decades.

This resulted in the barrier of distrust caused by the differing ideas and social systems existing in the north and the south of Korea.

The longer the partition continues and the more serious the confrontation and distrust become, the taller it stands.

The inter-Korean ties plunged into deadlock in recent years with confrontation and tensions running high. This situation presents the national reconciliation and unity as a vital task in solving the issue of national reunification.

There is no reason whatsoever for compatriots in the north and the south of Korea not to get reconciled and united.

There are differences between the ideas and the social systems in the north and the south of Korea, but the Koreans can certainly get reconciled and united on the basis of the homogeneity of the nation that was formed in the course of creating culture and history for a long time, and the ever-growing aspiration for reunification.

Obstacles still lay ahead in achieving national reconciliation and unity and warming the inter-Korean ties.

A great many barriers may stand in the road to national reunification, but no one can dampen the will of all the Koreans to achieve the independent national reunification, and the final victory belongs to the united Korean nation.

All Koreans in the north and the south and overseas should turn out as one in the patriotic struggle for achieving independent reunification, peace and prosperity full of confidence in sure victory.