http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/northkorea/2013/12/11/33/0401000000AEN20131211004100315F.html
North Korea has begun to sell large amounts of gold to China in a
bid to tide over its economic crisis, multiple sources familiar with
North Korea affairs said Wednesday.
The disposal could be an
indication of an imminent economic collapse as it goes against founding
leader Kim Il-sung's order to never sell the country's gold, according
to the sources.
"Since several months ago, North Korea has
begun to sell even its gold," one source said, asking that he not be
identified. "Overseas sales of gold are a barometer of whether the North
Korean economy is in a crisis or not."
It is the first time
that North Korea has sold gold since its leader Kim Jong-un took power
in late 2011 following the death of his father Kim Jong-il, the sources
added. Kim Il-sung is the current leader's grandfather.
According to South Korean government data, North Korea holds about 2,000 tons of gold reserves worth at least US$8 billion.
North Korea's economic situation is expected to worsen following the
recent purge of Jang Song-thaek -- Kim Jong-un's once-powerful uncle and
guardian -- as he had handled all economic projects with foreign
countries, another source said.
An economic collapse in North
Korea could lead to greater economic cooperation with South Korea but
also increase the risk of a military provocation against the South,
experts said.
Hat tip Shawn from NH
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