Rodong Sinmun Friday says this in an article:

The world today urgently requires the creation of a peaceful environment in the international relations and the promotion of development in the new century, the article notes, and goes on:

However, the imperialists' war of aggression and military intervention have caused complicated issues in the international relations and laid a serious hurdle in the way of the people's cause of independence.

It is a particularly important issue to maintain independence in foreign relations if all countries of the world are to ensure the dignity and rights of the popular masses and achieve social progress and the development of civilization under this situation.

It is the unanimous desire and aspiration of mankind to lead an independent life free from all sorts of domination and subjugation by the imperialists.

The people's desire and wishes for independence are growing stronger as the days go by and social development is making rapid progress. This reality today calls for establishing the international relations between countries on the principle of respect for their sovereignty.

It is a basic principle to be adhered to in establishing sound international relations to maintain independence.

The Korean people will as ever make positive efforts to develop relations with all countries that respect the sovereignty of the DPRK and are friendly towards it, true to the idea of independence.