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DPRK expels S. Korean workers
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Source: CCTV.com | 03-28-2008 09:10
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has expelled most of the South Korean managers working in a joint industrial park on its side of the border.
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South Korea says the DPRK orally informed them 11 |
The move follows South Korea's remarks about Pyongyang's nuclear program.
South Korea says the DPRK orally informed them 11 South Korean managers should be withdrawn from the Kaesong industrial park.
The park is often cited as a model of cooperation.
Kim Ho-Nyeon, Spokesman of S. Korean Unification Ministry, said, "The government deeply regrets Pyongyang's measure and we would like to make it clear that the DPRK should take full responsibility regarding this unilateral request, which is against our agreement. We're also urging the DPRK to normalize the operation of the joint office in the park as soon as possible."
Seoul says Pyongyang is displeased with the link between business and denuclearization.
Kim Jung-Tae, Director General of S. Korean Inter-Korean Exchange Bureau, said, "The Unification Minister has said it will be difficult to expand the business at the industrial park unless the DPRK's nuclear problems are solved. For this reason, Pyongyang has demanded us to withdraw our officials at the inter-Korean joint office."
Nearly 70 South Korean factories operate in the Kaesong industrial park, employing more than 20-thousand DPRK workers.
The leaders of the two countries agreed to expand the park during a summit last year.
Editor:Zhang Pengfei
