INDIA HELPS NORTH KOREA, MYANMAR IN CRISIS

By P. Vijian

NEW DELHI, March 26 (Bernama) -- India has put a human touch to its 'Look
East Policy' when it extended humanitarian aid to famine-prone North Korea and
quake-hit Myanmar.

India announced it would provide food assistance to the North Korean people,
in response to a request from the government.

Pulses worth US$1 million (RM3 million) would be disbusred through the World
Food Porgramme, under the aegis of the United Nations.

"India is sensitive to the scarcity of food in Democratic People's Republic
of Korea and in this hour of need, India has decided to grant humanitarian food
assistance," E. Ahmed, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs said on Friday.

India, he added, was integrating itself with East Asia and Southeast Asia
and it took active interest in developments in those regions.

According to international aid agencies, North Korea was facing food
shortage due to sharp drop in domestic food production -- leaving nearly six
million people vulnerable to the crisis.

India is also ready to help Myanmar that was rocked by a 6.8 magnitude
earthquake, killing early 75 people and injuring over 100 in its northeastern
region last Thursday.

"We are saddened to learn about the loss of lives and damage to property in
the recent earthquake in Myanmar.

"India has conveyed its deep condolences to the Government of Myanmar and
expressed readiness to assist them in whatever way we can in their relief
efforts," said India's Foreign External Affairs Ministry.

Myanmar and India, bordering at the northeast side, are age-old trading
partners, with cordial relations for decades.