The government of South Korea has expressed regret at yesterday’s statement from North Korea’s National Defense Commission, in which it said it is no longer prepared to deal with the administration of President Lee Myung Bak.
Cho Byung Jae, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, told a news briefing this afternoon, “We are disappointed with the way North Korea has come forward so aggressively.”
“Now is the time for North Korea to engage in dialogue with sincerity and the will to change,” he went on, adding, “We will continue to follow basic principles regarding North Korea.”
“North Korea will have to continue to combine both dialogue and pressure in order to realize its opinions in inter-Korean relations. There is no other way,” another official asserted.
On the 30th, the National Defense Commission stated via Chosun Central News Agency (KCNA) that it will not associate with the South Korean government, and will both cut off the line allowing for communication with Mt. Keumgang and close a liaison office in the tourist resort.
