North and South Korea held talks on 6 July 2013 over re-opening a
joint industrial zone seen as the last remaining symbol of cross-border
reconciliation. The talks followed months of friction and threats of war
by North Korea after its February nuclear test attracted tougher UN
sanctions, deteriorating its economic situation.
Kaesong was the most high-profile casualty of the elevated tensions
on the Korean peninsula but neither country has declared the complex
officially closed, instead referring to a temporary shutdown.
Both nations stated that they wanted to reopen the Seoul-funded
industrial zone on the North Korean side of the border but blame each
other for its suspension. North Korea, citing military tensions and the
South's hostility toward the North, in April withdrew its 53000 workers
from the 123 South Korea-owned factories at the Kaesong Park.
North and South Korea discussed issues of checking on mothballed
factory facilities and equipment, moving finished products and raw
materials held up at Kaesong to the South and the reopening of the zone.
Re-opening a joint industrial zone is seen as the last remaining symbol of cross-border reconciliation.
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