North Korean Food Shortages Continue

PYONGYANG - Feb 25/04 - SNS -- The World Food Program (WFP) says while food aid shipments to North Korea avoided mass starvation, continued effort is needed because another 1.5 million people face need help during the coming six weeks and without additional donations, millions will face food shortages in the second half of the year.

A recent round of severe food aid shortages have greatly aggravated an already severe humanitarian crisis in North Korea.

"Our ability to borrow commodities to cover this month means that we can now resume cereal distributions to most, but not all of the 6.5 million children, women and elderly identified as particularly needy," said Masood Hyder, WFP Representative for the DPRK.

"But it's critical to remember that this is only a partial and temporary solution, as the loans will have to be repaid as soon as possible from future donor contributions to WFP."

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