Pyongyang, September 7 (KCNA) -- Adhering to the principle of independence and the stand of patriotism is the fundamental requirement for achieving national reunification.

Rodong Sinmun Wednesday said this in a bylined article.

The principle of independence is the core for the settlement of the national issue and the fundamental principle for national reunification that cannot be conceded, the article said, and went on:

The DPRK party and government have waged a strenuous struggle to reunify the country on the principle of national independence since the liberation of Korea. The Three Charters for National Reunification are consistent with the spirit of national independence as they systematized in an integral and comprehensive way the fundamental principles and ways for national reunification. Amid the nation-wide struggle for reunification the north and the south adopted the historic June 15 joint declaration and its action program October 4 declaration, embodiment of the principle of national independence.

Whoever truly wants national unity and reunification should opt for national independence, not dependence on outside forces.

Adherence to the patriotic stand is the fundamental prerequisite for national reunification.

The Koreans have suffered from national division for more than 60 years. Under this condition every Korean should think and act from the stand of patriotism. Only the Koreans will suffer if they reject and antagonize with each other while seeking the interests of a specific group, being indifferent to the destiny of the country and the nation.

The 60-odd years of difference between ideology and system can never be a condition that blocks national reconciliation, unity and cooperation. It is an expression of its patriotic will and stand to put the great cause of the nation above all and subordinate everything to it that the DPRK is making every sincere effort for detente and peace on the Korean Peninsula.

If all the issues are handled on the principle of independence and stand of patriotism, a new radical phase will surely open on the road of accomplishing national reunification.