Strings on Aid To North Cut

South Korean Unification Minister Hong Soon-young said Wednesday that Seoul's humanitarian aid to North Korea is an "unconditional means" of enhancing brotherhood and maintaining peace.

Mr. Hong's remark is a departure from the government's previous threats to link food aid with realizing reunions of separated Korean families.

"As long as the food shortage prolongs in North Korea, our policy of supporting North Korea will be unchanged," said Mr. Hong at the Peace Unification Forum held at Sejong Cultural Center in downtown Seoul.

"A lull in inter-Korean dialogue is expected to prevail in the near future," he added. "After the U.S.-led anti-terrorism war is over, both Koreas are likely to accelerate high-level inter-Korean talks and exchanges."

"Various levels of conference meetings ought to be pursued between the two Koreas in order to maintain the momentum of dialogue," Mr. Hong added.

by Lee Yong Jong