The south Korean authorities recently created the impression that they were interested in the improvement of the inter-Korean relations, asserting that the "north kept mum" about the talks between authorities and crying out for a "response." Even the present chief executive jabbered that the "north's sincerity and will to implement the agreement were more important."

This is nothing but a revelation of their cynical ploy to shift the blame for having failed to hold north-south dialogue onto the DPRK.

As recognized by the world public, the DPRK initiated the north-south high-level emergency contact in last August and made every possible effort to sincerely implement the points agreed upon at the contact.

It was thanks to the positive and sincere efforts of the DPRK that the reunion of divided families and relatives took place at the Mt. Kumgang Resort days ago and non-governmental contacts and exchanges are being reenergized between the north and the south.

The south Korean authorities, however, are staging saber rattling with outsiders against the north almost everyday, denying their dialogue partner, and ratcheting up the anachronistic nuclear and "human rights" rackets against the north quite contrary to the unanimous will and desire of the compatriots for improved inter-Korean relations.

Even at this moment, the present chief executive of south Korea is busy with disgraceful diplomacy for soliciting "cooperation in the nuclear racket against the north" on foreign tours. The confrontation ruckus against the north such as the introduction of "state-compiled" history textbook being pushed forward for the purpose of inciting hostility towards the DPRK is going on in south Korea.

The south Korean authorities are disturbing in every way even NGO exchange getting brisk according to the inter-Korean agreement by putting up unreasonable pretexts.

It goes without saying that all these acts are diametrically running counter to the spirit of the agreement and rattling the nerves of the dialogue partner.

As a matter of fact, there is no change in the attitude of the south Korean authorities before and after the August agreement.

No matter how loudly the south Korean authorities may talk about dialogue, no one would believe in their sincerity.

The inter-Korean relations cannot be repaired by the unilateral efforts.

If the south Korean authorities truly hope to see improved relations, they should stop making empty talk, discard their obstinate confrontation attitude and strive hard to create climate for dialogue, to begin with.

They would be well advised to keenly feel responsible for the failure to open inter-Korean dialogue and fulfill their commitment, though belatedly.