His remarks have won the unreserved support and welcome of all the fellow countrymen who want to reject the moves of foreign forces to subordinate inter-Korean relations to their tastes and interests, and to usher in a heyday of peace, prosperity and reunification of the Korean peninsula by the concerted efforts of the Korean nation.

The issues of north-south ties and national reunification are the internal issues of the Korean nation which the north and south must settle as they are directly responsible for the issues.

It is the Korean nation who has vital interests in the unity of the fellow countrymen and the reunification and prosperity and who is the powerful force that can realize them.

Adhering to the principle of By Our Nation Itself makes it possible to resolve, most rapidly and smoothly, all the issues arising in the development of the north-south relations and the accomplishment of the cause of national reunification in accordance with the will of the nation and in its interests.

The surprising changes which took place in inter-Korean relations last year convinced all the fellow countrymen that when all the Koreans in the north and the south and abroad join minds and efforts, they can turn the Korean peninsula into the true home of the nation, which is the most peaceful and will prosper forever.

The inter-Korean ties have entered a new phase, but outside forces who are displeased with the reconciliation, unity, reunification and prosperity of the Korean nation are getting more undisguised in the obstructive moves.

Leaving an important matter of the nation to the tender mercy of foreign forces is nothing but an act of pulling the noose of subjugation around the neck.

The Korean nation is directly responsible for the improvement of the inter-Korean ties and for the accomplishment of the cause of national reunification, and it has a deserved right to deal with its own issue by its own determination and judgment.

The north and the south reaffirmed the principle of national independence, or national self-determination, through the historic Panmunjom Declaration and the September Pyongyang Joint Declaration, and committed themselves to promoting the consistent and sustained development of inter-Korean ties for the reconciliation, cooperation, peace and co-prosperity of the nation.

They reflect the firm will to settle all the issues arising in the inter-Korean ties in the face of the rapidly changing situation and environment by the concerted efforts of the nation.

All the fellow countrymen should end the tragedy of division; decisively reject the interference and intervention of outside forces for reunification of the country and its eternal prosperity, and hold higher the banner of national independence.