N. Korea blasts S. Korea's 'insincerity' on Kaesong complex

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details throughout)
SEOUL, July 10 (Yonhap) -- North Korea on Friday warned it will take "firm
action" on the troubled joint inter-Korean industrial complex unless Seoul makes
a more sincere approach to bilateral talks.
The North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), quoting an organization handling
the Kaesong complex, said that the last four rounds of working-level talks
clearly showed Seoul's "true position" on the joint venture located in North
Korea.
The organization claimed in a statement that because of Seoul's "humiliating"
behavior, the talks are close to collapse, adding that unless the South desists
from insulting the North's good faith and generosity, questions will be raised
about the effectiveness of the talks.
"If the South does not show sincerity in future negotiations, (the North) will
take steps that have already been stated," the statement released in Korean said.
North Korea insisted that monthly wages for local employees be raised four-fold
to US$300. It also sought $500 million for a 50-year lease on the park, ditching
the $16 million rent deal signed when the park opened in 2004.
Seoul rejected the demands while pressing for the release of a South Korean
worker detained since March on accusations that he criticized the North's
political system and tried to entice a North Korean female to defect.
The joint park just north of the demilitarized zone that separates the two Koreas
hosts more than 100 South Korean firms making clothing, kitchenware, electronic
equipment and other labor-intensive goods. There are about 40,000 North Korean
workers at the complex.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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