DPRK commemorates anniversary of North-South Joint Declaration

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Monday held a national meeting to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the publication of the June 15 Joint Declaration between the North and South of the Korean Peninsula, the official news agency KCNA reported.

Yang Hyong Sop, vice president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, told the meeting that the historic June 15 Joint Declaration opened a new period for the history of the Korean nationality.

After its publication, he said, the North and South eliminated confrontation and hostility, and realized reconciliation, cooperation and communication.

Yang accused the incumbent South Korean authorities of refusing to carry out the declaration and taking hostile policy.

He warned that the South should not be indiscretionary and the DPRK would launch merciless attack if the South continued its provocation.

He appealed to the parties and people of South Korea to fight for the unification and peace of the country in the light of the declaration.

Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, attended the meeting.

A new postage stamp was also issued in the DPRK to mark the 10th anniversary of the issuance of the June 15 joint declaration.

The declaration was issued on June 15, 2000 when then South Korean President Kim Dae-jung and top DPRK leader Kim Jong Il held the first inter-Korean summit in Pyongyang.

Source: Xinhua