The statement said that the north entered the phase of practical action as already warned now that there is no way to save the tour from a crisis.

We cannot but question the "government" what it has done till the situation reached such pass, the statement said, chiding the authorities for having obstructed the resumption of the tour, talking about the "three conditions" and the like.

The statement recalled that the north took such a resolute action because the present regime negated the June 15 joint declaration and the October 4 declaration and showed no will to improve the inter-Korean relations.

Hyon In Thaek, minister of "Unification," has not taken any measure regarding the issue of the tour of Mt. Kumgang, only repeating the word of "regret" and blustering that the "government's" stand to resume the tour remains unchanged, the statement noted, and went on:

He should be forced to step down as he is to blame for such situation.

The "government" should take a sincere approach toward a dialogue with the north and reach an agreement on resuming the tour.

Otherwise, not only the inter-Korean relations will collapse but also the economy of south Korea will go bankrupt and its regime fall.