The inter-Korean industrial complex was shut down by the Stalinist regime in the North last April. Now the desperate economic situation forces the country to return to the negotiating table. The "Blue House" clarifies: "They must take responsibility for their actions if they want to normalize relations".

 

Seoul (AsiaNews/agencies) - After three and a half months of stalling, the government of North Korea has resumed talks with the South to "normalize" the situation of Kaesong inter-Korean industrial complex, closed imperially by the regime last April after a month of high military tension. Kim's regime hopes to restart works as soon as possible; the work provides employment and salaries to 53,000 people.

Sun Ho, head of the Seoul delegation, brought with him about 100 people in the area. The talks started in the morning and will last "as long as necessary" to reach an agreement. An official of the Ministry of Unification said: "We have taken the first step, but it is clear that the difficult part starts now". The Blue House - seat of the government in Seoul - said that Pyongyang "must assume their responsibilities". The main point to be clarified is operations in the area, where approximately 120 companies are involved.

Sun Ho, after announcing the resumption of talks, added: "We want assurances that there will be no more unilateral actions that put at risk the work of Kaesong. We have already suffered considerable damage and don't want more". For its part, the North's delegation chief, Park Chol-su, concluded: "I hope that the works start up again soon. It's raining a lot and I am worried about the supplies and materials in the factories".

 

 

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