Global General

DPRK accuses S Korea of hindering working contact

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-01-21 21:48

PYONGYANG: The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has accused South Korea of jeopardizing talks on the future of the Kaesong industrial park.

The two sides started three-day talks Tuesday on revitalizing the jointly managed park, which is in the border town of Kaesong.

The DPRK's official KCNA news said the future of the park was in danger due to worsening ties between the two sides and that the south had pushed the talks to the point of rupture.

The DPRK suggested that issues concerning the complex's laws and regulations, land lease, wages and taxation should be "settled in conformity with international standards," according to the KCNA.

However, it said South Korea brought up side issues and avoided "important pending issues" such as a wage increase in the park.

The DPRK said the south side had "viciously pursued a confrontational policy" against it but the north had decided to give it "another chance" through a meeting scheduled for Feb. 1, the KCNA said.

The industrial park has been a symbol of economic cooperation between the two Koreas.

Currently, some 110 South Korean companies are based in the complex, employing about 42,000 workers, mostly from the DPRK, to produce labor-intensive goods.