The South Korean government has criticized North Korea’s unilateral postponement of this week’s round of separated family reunions, saying, “No explanation or excuse can justify it.”
Ministry of Unification spokesperson Kim Wui Do claimed during a briefing on the 23rd, “North Korea’s actions have greatly disappointed and hurt separated families. It will be difficult to avoid criticism from South Koreans and the international community.”
Kim reiterated the South Korean stance; “It is our basic position that we respond separately to the issues of a tourism restart at Mt. Geumgang, and divided family reunions and Red Cross meetings. North Korea should work to make sure the reunions occur quickly in order to heal the pain and suffering of divided families.”
“The reunions scheduled for September 25th should take place before the video conference reunions, and any other additional reunions. Currently, our government has no specific plans regarding these other reunions.”
In response to questions regarding the postponement of working-level meetings aimed at restarting Mt. Geumgang tourism, Kim replied, “North Korea has postponed the meetings, so we are watching the situation. Our government has no plans at present to set a date for the meetings.”
Outstanding issues that require attention before tourism restarts include, “a probe into the facts surrounding [South Korean tourist] Park Wang Ja’s death, systemic guarantees that such an incident will not occur again, and tourist safety.”
However, Kim noted that “The September 24th working meeting to establish the Kaesong Complex Joint Committee office will be held on schedule. Subcommittee meetings to discuss issues of passage, communication and customs will also take place this week.”
