North Korea’s three main newspapers issued a joint New Year’s Day editorial Tuesday emphasizing the expansion of inter-Korean economic cooperation.

The three papers --- the Rodong Sinmun, the Josoninmingun, and the Chongnyon Jonwi --- carried an editorial stating that South and North should make the New Year a historic turning point.

The message underscored the importance of increased inter-Korean economic cooperation in various fields on the basis of mutual interest.

The editorial did not specifically mention President-elect Lee Myung-bak but railed against what it called pro-U.S. forces that stand in the way of reconciliation and unity.

The New Year’s message went on to highlight last year’s second inter-Korean summit, saying it created a new era of peace and prosperity for the two countries.

In addition, it stressed the current armistice between the two Koreas must be replaced with a peace treaty. Calling on the two sides to suspend military training and arms building, the message added that U.S. military bases in the South should be scrapped.