The statement recalled that on Feb. 23 the "ministry" did not grant the application, made by the headquarters for working contact with the press organization in the north, on the pretext of "security", "maintenance of order" and the like.

This is an anti-reunification action intended to completely hold in check the inter-Korean non-governmental contact and exchange, it charged.

It urged the authorities to dismiss Hyon In Thaek from the post of the "minister of Unification" at once and resume the inter-Korean exchange.