North Korea border restrictions begin
Monday, 01 Dec 2008 09:23
North Korea begins restricting border crossings with the south
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North Korea has begun restricting border crossings with the south, officials claim.
From today the number of South Koreans allowed to cross the border will be drastically reduced. Pyongyang claims the measures are a protest against "Seoul's hostile policy".
A large number of South Koreans work in the jointly-run Kaesong industrial estate in North Korea and from today the number allowed to stay in the estate without restriction will be limited to 880.
A South Korean spokesman described the action as "very regrettable" and said they should immediately be withdrawn.
Relations between the two nations have become increasingly strained since South Korean president Lee Myung-bak took office back in February and pledged to take a tougher stance with Pyongyang over its nuclear weapons programme.