http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/south-korea-says-north-flood-aid-no-longer-on-offer/
South Korea recalls its aid offered to North Korea after devastating flood in summer 2011 as they could not agree on the material of the aid.
In late July 2011 rapid flash flood hit North-Korea (NK) causing 49 deaths while others became homeless. South Korea offered three million Euro aid in form of blankets, medicines and food. Pyongyang, however, asked for building material and cement. As a response to this request, South Korea refused to provide aid because they assumed NK would use it for military purposes.
A spokesman of a South Korean Ministry for uniting the two parties said that after South Korea had declined North Korea’s request, Pyongyang never replied. Therefore, Seoul decided not to send the other material of the aid either.
This obviously shows that tense and mistrustful relationship is present between the two countries. According to the UN, food shortage is a big problem in North Korea. About 6 million out of the 22 million inhabitants are in need of food supply and 1/3 of children under the age of five suffer malnutrition. Why does North Korea reject South Korea’s help? Is it pure pride? I think it is…the above mentioned data clearly reveal that it would be time to put aside pride.
-Barbara Hanis-
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