Speakers at the meeting underlined the need to improve the south-north relations and achieve peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula this year marking the 70th anniversary of Korea's liberation, the 15th anniversary of the June 15 joint declaration and the 70th anniversary of national division.

They demanded the "government" lift the "May 24 steps" and stop leaflet scattering and slander.

Businessmen of the south side who were involved in the work to arrange the tour of Mt. Kumgang felt resentment at the "government's policy toward the north", they said, calling for resuming the tour of Mt. Kumgang and settling the issue of economic cooperation in order to mend the south-north relations.

Then, a declaration was made public.

It demanded the U.S. stop words and deeds hindering improvement of the inter-Korean relations.

It stressed the need to refrain from slandering and antagonizing each other, hold sincere dialogue for reconciliation and cooperation and stop the south Korea-U.S. joint drills inciting military confrontation.

It called upon people from all walks of life to pool their strength and wisdom to launch an all-people reunification movement in order to settle humanitarian issues including reunion of separated families and relatives, make the "May 24 steps" lifted and ensure non-governmental exchanges.

It also called for mending the south-north relations to bring about an epochal phase of peace and reunification.