| Thus delaying the inevitable once again ... |
The Unification Ministry on Monday said it has decided to provide about W3.5 billion to civic groups dedicated to giving humanitarian aid to North Korea from the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund (US$1=W1,223). The decision means South Korea will resume official government aid to the North, which has been suspended since the North's nuclear test on May 25.
In a session of a council promoting inter-Korean exchange, the government decided to provide W3.573 billion to 10 civic groups for their aid projects in the North.
A ministry official said, "The government chiefly selected projects that are aimed at helping disadvantaged groups (in North Korea) based on how much they can contribute to the people's livelihood, how urgent they are, and how effective they can be."
The projects aim to promote the welfare of the disabled and children, help tuberculosis hospitals, and give nutritious meals to children.
| The reality is that the aid will go to the army and political elites ... |
A government official expressed hope that the decision "will be helpful to realizing an early return of the 800 Yeonan," a South Korean fishing boat seized by North Korea on July 30. North Korea only said the crew were "under investigation" when it mentioned the boat during an exchange of communications between inter-Korean maritime authorities on Monday.
| Sounds like they're being ransomed, huh ... |
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