North Korean Premier Choe Yong-rim has called for improved inter-Korean relations based on past South-North joint declarations.

In a ceremony marking the 62nd anniversary of the founding of North Korea held Wednesday in Pyongyang, the premier said that North Korea remains steadfast in its will to seek unification and improve cross-border ties based on joint declarations signed with South Korea in June 2000 and October 2007.

His remarks are believed to be in line with the North's recent conciliatory behavior including the release of a South Korean fishing boat and its crew after a month-long detainment. The North has also requested South Korean aid for rice, cement and excavating equipment.

But Choe also accused the South of fanning the threat of war on the Korean Peninsula following the sinking of the South's "Cheonan" warship. He threatened to use “the North's full military potential including its nuclear deterrence if enemies light the fuse on an invasive attack."