DPRK Side Takes Steps for Legally Disposing of Properties of South Side in Mt. Kumgang Resort

Pyongyang, August 22 (KCNA) -- A spokesman for the DPRK Guidance Bureau of Special Zone for International Tour of Mt. Kumgang issued the following statement Monday:
A series of contacts were made between the north and the south of Korea recently to adjust the properties of the south side in the Mt. Kumgang area.
In order to protect the properties of enterprises of the south side which have suffered a big loss due to the south Korean authorities' unilateral suspension of tour, the DPRK has so far provided several opportunities for negotiations and made every sincere effort, advancing a variety of choices so that the properties may be dealt with according to the will of enterprises of the south side.
The south Korean authorities, however, viciously obstructed the adjustment of properties.
Now that the south Korean authorities finally refused to resume tour of Mt. Kumgang and register properties despite the sincere efforts of the DPRK, the Guidance Bureau of Special Zone for International Tour of Mt. Kumgang of the DPRK solemnly declares the following steps according to the relevant law including Article 26 and Article 40 of the Law on Special Zone for International Tour of Mt. Kumgang:
Firstly, the DPRK considers that the south Korean authorities totally abandoned the protection of properties and interests of enterprises of the south side and from now on makes a real legal disposal of all the properties including real estates, equipment and vehicles of the south side in the Special Zone for International Tour of Mt. Kumgang.
Secondly, the DPRK bans taking materials and properties of enterprises of the south side out of Mt. Kumgang resort from 00:00 on August 21.
Thirdly, personnel from the south side in the Special Zone for International Tour of Mt. Kumgang should leave it within 72 hours.