In March 1st editorials commemorating the birth of the Korean independence movement, Rodong Shinmun, the main publication of the Chosun Workers’ Party, and Uriminzokkiri, a website run by North Korea’s Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, heavily criticized South Korea’s conservative Grand National Party while jointly calling again for improvements to Inter-Korean relations based on the spirit of the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration and October 4 Inter-Korean Summit Agreement.
In its commemorative editorial entitled, “Push for the Great Achievement of Reunification with Banners of Independence,” Rodong Shinmun emphasized, “Our position, to improve Inter-Korean relations and achieve peace, unification and the prosperity of folk according to the June 15 Joint Declaration and October 4 Inter-Korean Summit Agreement while denouncing foreign powers, remains firm.”
The editorial added, “The South Korean conservative party has fallen in with the scheme to permanently tear apart the people in order to hinder improvements to Inter-Korean relations. They should throw their policy of confrontation with their own people and hollow theory of ‘system confrontation’ into the cesspit of history and open up the way for Korean reconciliation and cooperation.”
Meanwhile, Uriminzokkiri, in a commemorative article, “Open Up New State of Independent Reunification with Anti-Foreign Power and Independent Spirit,” urged the implementation of the joint statements, proclaiming, “The June 15 North-South Joint Declaration and October 4 Inter-Korean Summit Agreement, based on the concept of being between our peoples alone, are the glorious fruits of the Fatherland reunification ideas of the Party and Military-first politics.”
In another article named, “Retrogressive Act against Improvement of Inter-Korean Relations,” the website also emphasized, “Even though South Korea talks about improving the relationship, they are hindering association and contact between compatriots of each class and putting up excuses against discussions between our authorities. Such acts are against improving Inter-Korean relations and are deceptions to mask domestic and international public opinion.”
In addition, the website concluded, “The improvement of Inter-Korean relations solely depends upon the stance of the South Korean authorities.”
Meanwhile, in his commemorative speech for the 91st Independence Movement Day ceremony, South Korean President Lee said, “For sincere reconciliation and cooperation, peace on the Korean Peninsula should be kept and both North and South should solve current problems through sincere dialogue. Now is the time for North Korea to show its sincerity to the international community.”
