North allowing South to verify aid distribution

North Korea agreed yesterday to permit officials from the South to conduct inspections in order to confirm the distribution of rice aid that Seoul has given to Pyeongyang. Wrapping up three days of discussions at the inter-Korean economic talks in Seoul, the two Koreas released a joint statement that included the agreement. Next month, South Korean officials will visit three sites in North Korea to review how the North has handed out 100,000 tons of rice the South is providing. Up to seven officials will be allowed to visit three sites in the North’s east and west coastal areas, the statement said. Seoul agreed in May to provide 400,000 tons of rice to the North in form of a loan, to be repaid over 20 years at 1 percent annual interest, with a 10-year grace period. In return, the North said it would allow South Korean officials to inspect the distribution. So far, only one quarter of the food aid has been delivered. South Korea has worried that the North might divert the rice aid to its military. Progress over the cross-border railroad and road projects was also made. Tracks and roadbeds between Munsan of the South and Gaeseong of the North and between Jeojin and Onjeongri on the east coast will be completed by the end of this year, the two Koreas agreed. By Ser Myo-ja / Staff Writer