The statement noted that the adoption of the declaration the keynote of which is the idea of "By our nation itself" thanks to the great and courageous decision of General Secretary Kim Jong Il ushered in a new era of the independent reunification on the Korean Peninsula and the publication of the October 4 declaration, a programme for implementing the June 15 joint declaration, made the prospect for the reunification of Korea brighter.

The inter-Korean joint declarations are the most just programmes for reunification common to the nation for improving the inter-Korean relations which had been strained due to the moves of the domestic and foreign separatist forces and bringing about a landmark phase in the reunification of Korea, it said.

It strongly demanded the south Korean authorities halt at once all acts running counter to the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration and opt for national reconciliation and unity.