The June 15 joint declaration clarifies that the issue of reunification of the country should be settled independently by the concerted efforts of Koreans who are responsible for it.

The October 4 declaration deals with wide-ranging issues arising in putting an end to military confrontation between the north and the south and achieving close cooperation in the efforts for detente and peace on the Korean peninsula.

How to approach the joint declarations is a touchstone distinguishing dialogue from confrontation, peace from war and reunification from division, the article notes, and goes on:

The negation of the declarations can hardly avoid confrontation and war.

It is beyond doubt that if the south Korean authorities respect the above-said declarations and come out for their implementation, this will help defuse tensions between the north and the south and open the gate to peace and peaceful reunification.

Actions for peace are just patriotic ones to protect the cradle of the nation and pave a wide avenue for shaping out the independent destiny.

The DPRK will as ever protect peace on the Korean peninsula and wage a more dynamic, patriotic struggle for independent and peaceful reunification of the country and prosperity common to the nation under the uplifted banner of the June 15 joint declaration and October 4 declaration.