The statement referred to the suppression of the paper that has been intensified by the present "government" in recent days.

This can be proved by the arrest of Ri Chang Gi, representative of the paper, by the intelligence service and the detention of Han Song, a journalist of the paper who conducted normal media activities, by the prosecution on charges of the violation of the "Security Law", it noted.

Since its opening the paper has so far worked for the implementation of the June 15 joint declaration and the October 4 declaration weathering many difficulties and ordeals, it said.

It urged the Lee Myung Bak "government" to halt the suppression of the paper and immediately release those media men in custody.