DPRK blasts ban on ski resort equipment imports

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Saturday criticized a ban on imports of equipment for a ski resort, indicating the UN sanctions are hindering its economic development. "If the governments of some countries consider that ordinary inhabitants of the DPRK should not be allowed to use the ski resort, it is an unpardonable insult to its social system and people," the official KCNA news agency quoted a statement issued by the Skiers Association as saying. The Masik Pass in the southeastern Kangwon Province, which includes a ski ground with an altitude of more than 1,360 meters above the sea level and a range of ski runs with a total length of 110 km, a hotel, heliport and cableway, is near completion. "It (The project) began last year according to the determination and plan of the Workers' Party of Korea to provide the people, youth and children with highly civilized and happy living conditions and make them enjoy all blessings," the statement said. It said some countries recently blocked the import of cableway equipment for the ski resort, pursuant to the UN sanctions, which, however, say "objects needed for economic construction and people's living should not be subject to sanctions." "Cableway equipment for the ski resort do not produce any rocket or nuclear weapon," the statement said. Media reports said the Swiss government had blocked a deal worth 7 million Swiss francs (7.6 million U.S. dollars) on exports of mechanical chair lifts and cable cars to Pyongyang. The statement said the basis for such acts "can never be justified," as this is "a wanton violation of the UN Charter clarifying that sanctions should not impose sufferings and damage on the peaceful existence and activities of mankind and the people in relevant countries."