N Korea imposes tight curbs at border
Posted
North Korea has begun tightly restricting border crossings in protest at what it calls South Korea's hostile policy, a move which could hit a joint industrial estate built as a symbol of reconciliation.
South Korea said the "deeply regrettable" cutback would hamper the operations of its 88 firms at the Kaesong estate north of the border and would undermine market confidence in them.
"This measure, which is in breach of inter-Korean agreements and can never be justified, must be repealed immediately," Unification Minister Kim Ha-Joong said in a statement.
His ministry said the North is permitting only 880 South Korean managers and officials to remain at Kaesong - about half the number which South Korea says is necessary to keep the Seoul-funded complex running.
Hundreds pulled out late last week before the start of the new restrictions, which follow months of frosty cross-border ties.
The North has also suspended a cross-border cargo train which began operating a year ago in what was seen as a landmark move, and suspended a day tour program to Kaesong city.
- AFP
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