The Unification Ministry says it is improving and developing readiness measures for a possible emergency in North Korea.

Ministry spokesman Kim Ho-nyoun told a news briefing Friday it is the basic duty of the government to prepare for any situation that may come up in the North.

The remarks come after the release of intelligence reports Wednesday that North Korean leader Kim Jong-il received surgery after suffering a stroke.

The spokesman also said his ministry will permit members of the Democratic Party to visit the Gaeseong Industrial Complex. The ministry has approved similar visits by most private organizations and foreigners.

Kim explained that North Korea has cut down on their criticism of South Korea over the past five days while boosting reports aimed at strengthening internal solidarity.