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N. Korea Clamps Down on Border

Major setback to years of economic, tourist ties between Koreas

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Dec 1, 2008 1:50 AM CST
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(Newser) – North Korea today made good on its threat to restrict border crossings from South Korea, severely hampering trade and ending tourism with its neighbor. The move, blocking large numbers of South Koreans and reducing border-crossing hours, is a protest against South Korea's new hardline president that negates years of hard-fought progress. It's likely also a signal to Barack Obama not to underestimate North Korea, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Meanwhile, state-controlled media claims North Korea's rumored-to-be ailing dictator Kim Jong-Il made a public appearance to inspect his air force, reports the Daily Telegraph. The dispatch, among several that suggest the leader is active, didn't say where or when the inspection occurred. Kim reportedly told the airmen to study his ideology to prepare themselves "as human bombs and self-blasting heroes."

In this undated, blurry image made from North Korea's Korean Central Television today, Kim Jong Il visits the air force and military officials.
In this undated, blurry image made from North Korea's Korean Central Television today, Kim Jong Il visits the air force and military officials.   (AP Photo/Korean Central Television via South Korean Unification Ministry, HO)
A South Korean passenger train parks at the Dora Station, the last train stop outside the demilitarized zone between two Koreas.
A South Korean passenger train parks at the Dora Station, the last train stop outside the demilitarized zone between two Koreas.   (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
South Korean tourists return after visiting North Korea, perhaps for the last time in a long time.
South Korean tourists return after visiting North Korea, perhaps for the last time in a long time.   (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
A South Korean Army soldier controls traffic as South Korean buses carrying tourists wait to head to North Korea.
A South Korean Army soldier controls traffic as South Korean buses carrying tourists wait to head to North Korea.   (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Shannonals
Dec 3, 2008 3:20 AM CST
Everyone is so concerned about the Middle East, yet no one pays attention to the Far East.

Kim reported on inspection tours
Bloomberg

N. Korea responds to 'confrontation'
BBC

 
North Korea • South Korea • border control • international relations • Kim Jong Il • President Obama

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