South Korea: Unification Minister Regrets Leak Claim Related To Kusong Reference As North Korea Nuclear Site

(MENAFN- IANS) Seoul, April 20 (IANS) Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said on Monday his referring to North Korea's Kusong region as one of the sites hosting the country's nuclear facilities was intended to explain South Korea's North Korea policy, expressing regret over allegations that the remarks constituted an information leak.

The minister made the remarks amid allegations that he disclosed sensitive intelligence on North Korea, after describing Kusong as a site hosting uranium enrichment facilities during a parliamentary session last month.

So far, only two regions -- Yongbyon and Kusong -- have been officially recognised as uranium enrichment sites in North Korea, while researchers in South Korea and abroad have at times referred to Kusong as also hosting nuclear facilities.

"I only referred (to Kusong) as part of a policy explanation meant to illustrate the seriousness of North Korea's nuclear issue. Framing it as an information leak is very regrettable," Chung told reporters.

The United States has reportedly complained about Chung's disclosure of the information, which it believes was based on intelligence shared by Washington, and has ceased sharing satellite information on North Korea with Seoul.

The unification ministry has contended that Chung's remarks were based on "open information," including expert reports and local media articles, rather than intelligence from Washington, reports Yonhap news agency.

"It's (already) open information. I also mentioned Kusong during my confirmation hearing last year," the minister stated, dismissing allegations of an information leak. "I suspect a hidden motive behind bringing this issue up after nine months have passed."

Chung said the national interest should be the top priority in addressing this issue along with others, accusing some of falsely "spreading a scenario of a crisis in South Korea-US relations" and expressing hope that Seoul and Washington would resolve the matter "through smooth communications."

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