ID :
190970
Sat, 06/25/2011 - 08:37
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/190970
The shortlink copeid
Clinton says no hasty decision on food aid for N. Korea
WASHINGTON, June 24 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made it clear Friday that her government will not resume food aid to North Korea until the reclusive communist nation guarantees transparency in distribution and resolves outstanding issues from the suspension of Washington's previous food aid.
She also stressed that her government will engage Pyongyang only under the condition that the two Koreas move to resolve their own concerns and disputes.
"Any such decision (on food aid) must be based on legitimate humanitarian needs, competing needs elsewhere around the world and our ability to ensure and monitor that whatever food aid is provided actually reaches the people who are in need," Clinton said at a joint press conference with South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan after their talks here.
She added, "Therefore, North Korea must address our serious concerns about monitoring and outstanding issues related to North Korea's suspension of previous food aid programs before we can consider any decision."
Clinton's remarks indicated that the Obama administration is taking a cautious approach on the food aid issue, although it sent a team of officials and experts to the North late last month for an assessment of food conditions there.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)
She also stressed that her government will engage Pyongyang only under the condition that the two Koreas move to resolve their own concerns and disputes.
"Any such decision (on food aid) must be based on legitimate humanitarian needs, competing needs elsewhere around the world and our ability to ensure and monitor that whatever food aid is provided actually reaches the people who are in need," Clinton said at a joint press conference with South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan after their talks here.
She added, "Therefore, North Korea must address our serious concerns about monitoring and outstanding issues related to North Korea's suspension of previous food aid programs before we can consider any decision."
Clinton's remarks indicated that the Obama administration is taking a cautious approach on the food aid issue, although it sent a team of officials and experts to the North late last month for an assessment of food conditions there.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)
