S. Korea links reopening of Kaesong industrial zone to progress in denuclearization

By Lim Chang-won Posted : June 21, 2018, 18:15 Updated : June 21, 2018, 18:15

[Yonhap Photo]


SEOUL -- The reopening of a joint inter-Korean industrial zone just north of the heavily armed border depends on progress in North Korea's denuclearization, a senior South Korean official said Thursday, citing U.S.-led international sanctions.

Vice Unification Minister Chun Hae-sung told a forum in Seoul Thursday that South Korea would consider lifting a cross-border trade ban only after the international community sees "visible" progress in denuclearization. "I think we may have to review it after the conditions are set," he said. "Talks on lifting sanctions are possible after we see visible measures in denuclearization."

The Koreas opened the zone in the North's border city of Kaesong in December 2004, but Seoul shut it down in 2016 in retaliation for the North's ballistic missile and nuclear tests. The Kaesong complex, a symbol of inter-Korean cooperation, once hosted about 120 South Korean firms manned by more than 50,000 North Korean workers.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in promised to reopen the complex if North Korea returned to the dialogue table, but Seoul is cautious as it depends on how Pyongyang will implement agreements.

The two Koreas agreed to set up a liaison office for cross-border exchanges and cooperation under a landmark peace declaration signed by the leaders of the two Koreas at their summit in April. Renovation has been underway this week at an office building in Kaesong to house the liaison office.

The South's Unification Ministry in charge of cross-border affairs hopes to open the liaison office in August.

This story was contributed by Jazin Wee, an editorial assistant.
 
기사 이미지 확대 보기
닫기