North Korea vows to close last link with South Korea
North Korea has said it is to recall 51,000 North Korean workers and suspend operations at a factory complex which is the last major symbol of co-operation with its southern rival.
Pyongyang’s statement today comes amid weeks of war threats and other efforts to punish South Korea and the US for ongoing joint military drills.
North Korea is also angry over the US-led push for UN sanctions over its February 12 nuclear test.
The Kaesong complex combines cheap North Korean labour and South Korean know-how and technology. It is the last remaining inter-Korean rapprochement projects from previous eras of co-operation.
But many of the about 120 South Korean companies at Kaesong have recently faced serious challenges as North Korea has barred South Koreans and supply trucks from entering the complex for days.
Mr Ryoo later said he made a mistake when said there was an ``indication'' that North Korea was preparing for a nuclear test.
When an MP asked him whether there was an indication of increased personnel and vehicles at the North’s nuclear test site Mr Ryoo said “there is such an indication.” He said he could not say more because it involved confidential intelligence.
The comments in a parliamentary session were recorded on video, but Mr Ryoo later said he could not remember making them and did not mean to say them. He said he was “startled” by reports carrying his earlier comments.
A Unification Ministry official said that Mr Ryoo had intended to say that North Korea has long been ready to conduct a nuclear test.
South Korea has said the North prepared two tunnels for a nuclear test, but used only one February 12.
