Speakers at the press conference held that the tour of Mt. Kumgang was driven into a catastrophe mainly because the authorities have insisted on what they called "three conditions" for the resumption of the tour.

Such situation was created despite the necessary steps taken by the north side on various occasions, an indication that the authorities are interested only in blocking the tour, they charged.

The authorities had better take positive steps for rolling back their policy of confrontation with the north, though belatedly, they urged.