The government and the ruling party have reaffirmed that sanctions on North Korea cannot be lifted until the regime apologizes.
 
Saenuri Party’s chief policy maker Won Yoo-chul said Friday that the party held discussions at the National Assembly with government officials, including Unification Minister Hong Young-pyo. Won said they agreed it is impossible to lift the May 24 measures without any responsible action from North Korea.
 
During the meeting, Saenuri officials urged the government to do its best in managing inter-Korean relations, citing growing concern from the international community and South Korean public.
 
Regarding wage hikes at the Gaeseong Industrial Complex, the government reiterated that it won’t accept the North’s unilateral demand to revise the labor rules.
 
Saenuri responded by asking the government to protect South Korean companies at Gaeseong from possible retaliation by the North.
 
The party also asked the government to be more flexible in endorsing humanitarian projects for North Koreans and inter-Korean cooperation projects involving the international community.