Unification minister announces that his government will not act directly, but will work "with private groups." For the Lee administration, it is the last chance to improve relations with Pyongyang before next December's presidential election.

Seoul (AsiaNews) - Despite continued military provocations, propaganda and the arrogance of North Korea's new leadership, the South Korean government is willing to "propose aid related to North Korean flood damage," said Unification Minister Ryu Woo-Ik at a meeting of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs, Trade and Unification Committee.

In response to a question by a lawmaker from the Democratic United Party, asserting that this may be the last chance for the Lee administration to improve relations with the regime of Kim Jong-un, Ryu noted that the government is willing to review its policy.

The sense of urgency stems from the upcoming presidential elections next December. Polls indicate that Park Geun-hye, daughter of Dictator Park Chung-hee and a leader in the Saenuri party (the new name of South Korea's Grand National party), is the leading contender.

If she wins, Parks said that, unless Pyongyang changed its attitudes, she would take a hard-line against the North.

In any case, South Korea aid would go through private channels. "We are willing to observe the contents of the discussions with private groups and then make a proposal even in the absence of a North Korean request," Ryu said.

The Korean Catholic Church, Caritas and many Christian NGOs have been leading the way in helping the population of North Korea.

"Of the entire 1.9 trillion won inter-Korean cooperation fund, a mere 4.1% is being used," said Hwang Jin Ha, a Saenuri Party lawmaker. "We should actively pursue utilizing that budget for humanitarian purposes such as North Korean flood damage."

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• december
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