The press release said that 43 years have passed since the publication of the July 4 south-north joint statement which was agreed on the three principles of national reunification--independence, peaceful reunification and great national unity.

It noted that the June 15 joint declaration which opened up a new era for south-north reconciliation and the October 4 declaration that enshrines the concrete proposal for reunification comprise the three principles of national reunification which was agreed upon at the July 4 joint statement.

It charged that the south Korean authorities have not made efforts to mend south-north relations such as the lifting of the "May 24 steps" while vociferating about "dialogue without precondition".

It demanded the authorities respect the spirit of the July 4 joint statement, stop pursuing the policy for confrontation and ensure the joint national event marking the 70th anniversary of Korea's liberation.