Seoul to finalize procedures for humanitarian aid to Pyeongyang

통일부 '800만 달러 공여 계획, 금주 중 국제기구와 협의 마무리'Seoul is set to finalize consultations with the World Food Programme and UNICEF to deliver an 8-million-dollar donation to North Korea for humanitarian aid.However, Pyeongyang isn't all that receptive to the gestures.For details let's turn to our Choi Si-young The South Korean government will finalize its consultations with UN agencies this week about its pledge to donate 8 million U.S. dollars for humanitarian assistance to North Korea.Seoul decided earlier this month to make the donation to the World Food Programme and UNICEF,... for projects on nutritional support and maternal and child health.Seoul's unification ministry made this announcement on Monday:"I reiterate,... that the government is concerned about the dire living conditions in North Korea and is seeking to provide such humanitarian assistance to the North in a fraternal move."But North Korea continues to express discontent,... calling the humanitarian assistance a secondary issue. Over the last few days Pyeongyang's propaganda outlets have released reports saying Seoul needs to live up to the promises made during their joint declarations.Pyeongyang abruptly cancelled planned meetings with South Korean civic groups last week, citing similar reasons.It said South Korean media reports are touching upon less important issues, when what the North wants is to discuss making a breakthrough on the current impasse in inter-Korean relations.Experts say Pyeongyang wants Seoul to be more proactive in resuming economic cooperation projects with the North.Meanwhile, regarding the food aid Seoul is delivering to the North separately, the unification ministry says it is still collecting opinions from the public and reviewing specific options including whether to assist the North directly or indirectly through the World Food Programme.Choi Si-young, Arirang News.