He said that the appeal reflects the firm resolution and enthusiasm of the government, political parties and organizations of the DPRK to open up a broad avenue to independent reunification this year marking the 45th anniversary of the July 4 joint statement and the 10th anniversary of the October 4 declaration, true to the steadfast faith and will of respected Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un to achieve the independent reunification of the country and surely build a reunified prosperous country.

Expressing full support for the appeal, he went on:

Now the north-south relations are at the worst phase owing to the anti-reunification moves of the south Korean group of traitors and the situation of the Korean peninsula is very tense. However, unshakable is the faith and will of Koreans in Japan to achieve the cause of national reunification on the powerful and independent strength of the Korean nation whose dignity has been displayed thanks to the great persons of Mt Paektu generation after generation.

Chongryon and Koreans in Japan will take the lead in the drive for opening a way to reunification, upholding the line and policy for independent reunification declared by respected Marshal Kim Jong Un at the Seventh Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea as the only programme for reunification.

We will fully discharge our honorable mission and patriotic duty in opening a heyday of nationwide reunification movement in 2017.