BEIJING, May 1 (Xinhuanet) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has held back seven of the final 50 South Koreans at the suspended jointly run factory zone at Kaesong, citing last-minute checks on taxes and wages. South Korea’s Yonhap news agency says it is estimated that the DPRK is probably asking for around 80 million US dollars, including 72 million in wages.Officials in Seoul said 43 South Koreans returned Monday night, and the last seven would leave the industrial complex after talks with DPRK officials. But the officials predicted that the seven will probably not be able to return home on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Kaesong representatives from the South have also cancelled their visit to the industrial complex which was scheduled for Tuesday. They say this is because they haven’t received a reply from the DPRK.
The departure of the 50 South Korean workers would empty out the complex for the first time since it opened in 2004 and possibly lead to the permanent closure of the last symbol of inter-Korean cooperation.
(Source: CNTV.cn)
