The three principles are a result of President Kim Il Sung's sustained and devoted efforts for national reunification.

In August 1971 the President proposed wide-range dialogue and negotiations between the north and the south of Korea, declaring that the DPRK was ready to have contacts at any time with all political parties, including the ruling Democratic Republican Party, social organizations and individuals of south Korea.

And he met with a delegate of south Korea visiting Pyongyang to attend the north-south high-level political talks in May next year. At the meeting he clarified the three principles for Korea's reunification, stressing that the country's reunification should be achieved independently without outsiders' interference and peacefully on the basis of promoting great national unity.

Consequently, the July 4 North-South Joint Statement reflecting the three principles came into the world, arousing full support and admiration from among all Koreans and the world people.

As soon as the joint statement adopted, a large number of political parties and organizations in south Korea issued statements in support of it. And media described the three principles as the supreme idea transcending all isms and the best and shortest way for national reunification.

The three principles advanced by the President still serve as the "compass of reunification", enjoying full support of the entire nation for their validity and vitality.