US Ambassador in Seoul Joins Tour of North Korean Industrial Park
12 June 2006
The U.S. ambassador to South Korea has traveled to North Korea with other diplomats to tour an industrial zone developed jointly by the two Koreas.
U.S. Ambassador Alexander Vershbow is one of about 80 envoys who made the trip Monday, from Seoul to the Kaesong industrial park, just north of the border that divides the two Koreas. South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon led the delegation.
About 15 South Korean companies combine their technology with North Korea's cheap labor at factories in Kaesong.
The top U.S. official on human rights in North Korea has expressed concern that workers in the zone are being exploited, and proceeds may be funding the North Korean government.
South Korea dismisses the U.S. concerns, and says it hopes Monday's visit will improve the international community's understanding of the Kaesong park.
South Korea helped build the project to promote reconciliation with the north.
South Korean factories in Kaesong pay a minimum monthly wage of $50, but the money does not go directly to the workers. Instead, the money is dispersed by the North Korean government, which has not said how much the workers actually receive.
Vershbow is not the first U.S. official to visit the Kaesong zone. U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Kathleen Stephens toured the complex last month.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
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