Referring to the joint press release issued between the Korea Asia-Pacific Peace Committee and the Hyundai Group of south Korea on August 17, which called for resuming the tour of Mt. Kumgang, reenergizing the operation of the Kaesong Industrial Zone and arranging the reunion of separated families and relatives from the north and the south, etc. the statement warmly hailed and supported it.

The statement held this provided a new occasion of bringing about a fresh turn in the efforts to improve the south-north relations which headed for confrontation and crisis.

The statement pointed out that on the same day Lee Myung Bak, however, let loose a reckless remark that "his invariable policy towards the north will cause it to make changes, " suggesting that he has no will to roll back his hostile policy towards the DPRK,

The statement noted that the organization cannot repress resentment at the Lee Myung Bak "government's" attitude to interpret the contents of the joint press release with the U.S. "sanctions" as a yardstick.

The statement urged the Lee Myung Bak regime to drop its policy of confrontation with fellow countrymen without delay, opt for dialogue with the north, respect the joint press release and take positive measures for implementing it.

In another development, the organization issued a statement on August 20 demanding a halt to the Ulji Freedom Guardian joint military exercises being staged by the south Korean authorities in collusion with the U.S.