January 19, 2015 11:42
North Korean defectors' groups here have given in to government pressure to halt a campaign floating propaganda leaflets into North Korea.
Lee Min-bok, who heads a coalition of activist groups, said last Friday, "We completely understand the government's predicament. We accept the request and will refrain from flying propaganda leaflets for the time being."
The North insists there can be no cross-border talks unless the leaflet campaign stops, and the government here is keen to break the stalemate.
Park Sang-hak of defector group Fighters for Free North Korea is also considering a temporary halt. The group's next launch of helium balloons across the border was scheduled for Tuesday. They were to carry DVDs and USBs of the Hollywood comedy "The Interview," which depicts the fictional assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
"We're willing to take a step back if it is for the benefit of our country, but we'll make the final decision after discussions with U.S. human rights groups that handle the dissemination of the DVDs," Park said.
Unification Ministry spokesman Lim Byung-chul urged the activists to make a "wise" decision.
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