North Korea has called on the United States to change its "hostile" policy toward the communist regime.

The New Year's message was announced in the form of a joint editorial by three major newspapers Rodong Shinmun, Josoninmingun and Chongnyonjonwi, which represent the party, army and the youth league, respectively.

The message urged the North Korean public to actively take part in the fight against a possible nuclear war by driving the U.S. troops out of South Korea.

The editorial devoted much of its space to calls for loyalty to North Korean leader Kim Jong-il as well as strengthened military capabilities.

Without giving any figures, the editorial stressed increased efforts to upgrade the North's economy, especially agriculture.

The editorial said agriculture is the main front of socialist economic construction this year.

North Korea replaced its traditional New Year's message with the editorial in 1995, a year after its founding leader and president, Kim Il-sung, died.