South Korea urges North Korea to stop dismantling reunion facility for separated families

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) - South Korea urged North Korea on Thursday to immediately stop dismantling a reunion facility for separated families inside the North’s Mount Kumgang tourist area, according to local media reports.

South Korea’s unification ministry spokesperson Koo Byoung-sam said South Korea is considering legal steps against Pyongyang.

"We sternly urge North Korea to immediately stop this demolition," Koo said.

He added that all responsibilities arising from the incident should lie with North Korea.

South Korea said the reunion facility has been the only intact structure, as North Korea has demolished all other facilities within the tourist zone, once considered a symbol of inter-Korean reconciliation.

According to South Korean officials, Pyongyang is unilaterally dismantling the facility, which was established by an agreement between the two Koreas for meetings of separated families.

North Korea has not responded to Seoul’s claim.