The Republic of Korea's soldiers patrol near the demilitarised zone separating the two Koreas in Paju, north of Seoul January 1, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

PYONGYANG - A leading newspaper of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Monday called for improving inter-Korean relations through dialogue.

Rodong Sinmun made the appeal in several articles, saying the new decade should be a period of hope for ending the tragedy of division and achieving unification and prosperity of the Korean Peninsula.

Both Pyongyang and Seoul should end confrontation as early as possible, seek

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reconciliation and solidarity, eliminate the risk of war and guarantee peace, said the articles.

The Republic of Korea (ROK) authorities should give up the notion of regarding their fellowmen as "enemies," stop launching the so-called "human rights campaign" against the DPRK and advocating "system confrontation," and make greater efforts to create an atmosphere of dialogue and cooperation, they continued.

Both sides should make the DPRK-ROK dialogue a practical one that can bring a bright future to the Korean Peninsula, the articles noted.

The recent tensions on the peninsula was caused by the confrontation policy of Seoul, the articles said, adding that if the ROK continued the policy, the inter-Korean relations would not be improved and the national security and peaceful unification would not be achieved.

The articles reaffirmed the DPRK's commitment to achieve reconciliation between the two sides, improve inter-Korean relations and pave the road to the independent unification of the Korean Peninsula.

Pyongyang's top leader Kim Jong-il (C) visits an observation deck to watch training of the Seoul Ryu Kyong Su 105 Guards Tank Division of the Korean People's Army, in this undated picture released by its official KCNA news agency in Pyongyang January 1, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]