The proposal on easing the acute military tension between the north and the south and creating a peaceful environment on the Korean Peninsula reflects the DPRK's firm will to prevent a war on the Peninsula and defend peace by the concerted efforts of the north and the south under the condition that a powerful war deterrent has been provided to frustrate and contain any nuclear threat from the U.S.

The present atmosphere for improved north-south relations, provided by our proactive proposal and efforts, showed the world that when the north and the south are determined to do, they can surely improve their frozen relations.

The U.S. recently took a measure for delaying its joint military maneuvers. This is attributable to our bold measure for north-south dialogue and positive efforts for peace on the Peninsula and the strong demands of the public at home and abroad.

What is most important in improving the inter-Korean relations is to ease the acute military tension between the north and the south and create a peaceful environment.

As long as such unstable situation as now which is neither wartime nor peacetime persists, the north and the south cannot sit face to face to have a sincere discussion over the issue of improving the bilateral relations, nor will they advance straight towards the goal of national reunification.

If the channels of communication between the north and the south remain cutoff and the critical state of military confrontation persists as now, armed conflict may break out any time and anywhere and it may develop into a full-scale war.

The north and the south should desist from doing anything that might aggravate the situation, and promote dialogue and negotiations at different levels and in various sectors with the aim of removing mutual misunderstanding and distrust and make joint efforts to open the way to national reunification and common prosperity.

Our nation is not the weak one of the past which was deprived of its sovereignty and subject to ruin and division by outside forces because it lacked strength.

There is nothing to fear and nothing impossible if the north and the south share one purpose and pool their efforts.

All the fellow countrymen should fully discharge their obligations and play their role before the times and the nation in response to the proactive proposal of the DPRK for defending peace and security on the Korean Peninsula by the concerted efforts of the nation.