The group said it will deliver its stance to the government by Tuesday at the latest. The companies claimed that they suffered more than 1.5 trillion won in losses. After its own survey, however, the government put the estimated damage at 786.1 billion won. It has already been doling out 517.3 billion won in reparations to the firms as a result of a decision made shortly after the shutdown of the industrial zone. With the additional support, the ministry said, 74.2 percent of the losses will be covered. Seoul’s unification ministry said that the government plans to hold a meeting soon to approve the provision of the compensation. The use of state funds requires the green light from a committee consisting of government officials and civil experts. The government also plans to help local firms involved in other inter-Korean projects that have suffered losses from the 2008 suspension of a joint tour program at Mount Kumgang and Seoul’s 2010 sanctions on Pyongyang following the North’s sinking of a warship.