Communists keep close watch on Key

North Korean soldiers watched Prime Minister John Key's every move as he toured the area between North and South Korea yesterday.

Mr Key was in South Korea for free trade talks. He arrived in Seoul yesterday morning and was soon on his way to tour the demilitarised zone, the 4km strip of land between South and North Korea.

Outside South Korea's Freedom House at the centre of the demilitarised zone are a row of blue and grey buildings. The blue belong to the United Nations and the grey to North Korea.

Through the middle of them is a concrete line that splits North Korea from the South.

As Mr Key toured the South Korean side with his family and delegation, North Korean soldiers came down to their side of the line with binoculars to find out what was going on.

South Korean and US soldiers stood puffing their chests on one side and the North Koreans glared from the other.

Mr Key described the situation as unique.

"Don't know how many Kiwis they've seen before, other than the ones in military uniform, but I'm sure they're just taking a bit of a look to see what's going on."

While Mr Key attended a briefing inside one of the UN buildings, the North Koreans peered through the windows.

The demilitarised zone is heavily fortified on both sides. On the south, the military defences stretch all the way back to Seoul, home to half of South Korea's 50 million population.

Mr Key said concerns were heightened after the sinking in March of the South Korean Navy ship Chenoan.

New Zealand condemned North Korea for torpedoing the naval vessel in which 46 sailors died.

The matter is before the United Nations Security Council.

- NZPA