国际英语新闻：DPRK decides to sever all inter-Korean relations

PYONGYANG, May 25 (Xinhua) -- A spokesman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea announced on Tuesday the Democratic People's Republic of Korea will sever all the relations with South Korea, the official KCNA news agency reported.

The DPRK decided to take "resolute measures" to totally freeze the inter-Korean relations, abrogate the agreement on non-aggression between the two sides and completely halt the inter-Korean cooperation, the spokesman said in a statement.

Among the eight measures to be taken at the first phase, all the relations with South Korea will be cut off, and the work of the Panmunjom Red Cross liaison representatives will be completely suspended, said the statement.

File Photo taken on Oct. 4, 2007 shows a soldier of Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) (L) and a soldier of Republic of Korea (ROK) stand guard at the truce village of Panmunjom. A spokesman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea announced on Tuesday the DPRK will sever all the relations with ROK, the official KCNA news agency reported

The South Korean personnel in the Kaesong Industrial Zone will be expelled, it added.

"The passage of South Korean ships and airliners through the territorial waters and air of north side will be totally banned," said the statement.

The announcement came after South Korea accused the DPRK of sinking its warship, the Cheonan, in March, and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak called for sanctions against Pyongyang.

However, the DPRK firmly denied the charges and insisted on sending its own inspectors to verify the evidence.