Pyongyang, August 4 (KCNA) -- The publisher of the south Korean magazine Minjok 21 issued a statement on July 29 demanding an immediate stop to the suppression of reunification champions.

The Intelligence Service searched the houses and offices of those concerned of Minjok 21 and is now busy investigating them on the charge that "they conducted espionage at the instructions of the north", the statement charged.

It is unreasonable to brand the legitimate news coverage of Minjok 21 as illegal at present, it said.

The suppression of media activities for reunification in the era aspiring after national reconciliation and cooperation is a foolish act to further bedevil the inter-Korean relations, it held.

It demanded the "government" stop at once the suppression of reunification champions and make an apology before the people for the case.