Open up the gate of reunification with concerted efforts of the Korean nation

Today the entire Korean people significantly mark the 8^th anniversary of the publication of the historic June 15 joint declaration that opened reunification era of national independence.

Leader Kim Jong Il, the brilliant commander of Mt. Paektu, arranged the inter-Korean summit meeting for the first time in history of national division with his far-sighted wisdom, broad-mindedness and patriotic decision. It was the great event in carving out the destiny of the nation and realizing the cause of reunification.

The past 8 years witnessed eye-opening event and unprecedented successes in movement for reunification, frustrating vicious challenges of the anti-reunification forces at home and abroad with united efforts of the Korean nation.

Reunification functions were held in the north and the south and reunification fever swept on the Korean Peninsula during the past 8 years.

The inter-Korean relations developed into the relations of reconciliation and cooperation and discord between the north and the south of Korea begun to thaw.

Railway and road links had been reconnected and a new era of economic cooperation was opened including the establishment of the Kaesong Industrial Zone.

Korea versus US confrontation structure had been formed through cooperation of national independence, peace against war and reunification.

The successes are manifestation of attractive force and vitality of the June 15 joint declaration.

However, the movement for independent reunification advancing under the banner of “by our nation itself” is faced a grave trial.

The US policy hostile toward north Korea hamstrings the process of Korea’s reunification and puts pressure upon north Korea and pursues nuclear war maneuver against the latter.

The Lee Myung-bak regime of south Korea drives the inter-Korean ties to confrontation, advocating pro-US sycophancy rather than nation-first idea.

Consequently, the developing inter-Korean relations face crisis and the south Korean people express their indignation at the Lee regime’s war maneuver on the Korean Peninsula.

The Anti-Imperialist National Democratic Front and the patriotic south Koreans will resolutely foil a new war provocation and policy against reunification of the US and its stooge and advance along the road of independent reunification, peace and prosperity, holding higher the banner of “by our nation itself”, though the US and the Lee regime make frantic efforts to hamper the advance.

Korea’s reunification is certain as long as there are the Songun politics, that guarantees dignity and sovereignty of the nation, peace and prosperity, is administered, the June 15 joint declaration and the October 4 declaration are still in effect and the Koreans’ fervent will for reunification are high.

The inter-Korean summit and the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration made by leader Kim Jong Il, the brilliant commander of Mt. Paektu, with his noble patriotic decision is the declaration of national independence that helps the realization of the cause of reunification by concerted efforts of the nation. It is the declaration of great national unity to promote national reconciliation and unity and achieve co-prosperity of the nation. It is declaration of peaceful reunification and reunification program of the nation as it is a milestone for reunification in the 21^st century.

We express expectation and conviction that your organizations would actively conduct solidarity activities such as publication of statements and articles to support the Korean people’s struggle to implement the June 15 joint declaration and the October 4 declaration, a milestone for Korea’s reunification, in this year, too, marking the 8^th anniversary of the publication of the June 15 joint declaration, as your organizations did.