North mum on $400,000 for video family center

The money that Seoul provided Pyongyang last year to build a video conference call center for families separated by the Korean War has apparently gone missing.
The Unification Ministry said yesterday that it asked North Korea in five meetings since April 2007 to provide details on how it spent the money, but the North did not respond.
South Korean officials hand-delivered $400,000 in cash to the North from April to August of last year, in addition to other materials for construction.
Giving cash as aid is rare due to concerns that the money may be diverted for other purposes.
Steel reinforcement, cement and buses were provided to North Korea on condition that the North cooperate in the South’s effort to follow up on construction and spending.

By Ser Myo-ja Staff Reporter [myoja@joongang.co.kr]