Koreas: Humanitarian program push from South

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) – Amid preparations for a possible second summit between the U.S. and North Korean leaders, South Korea on Thursday worked for progress on humanitarian programs in Pyongyang.

A video conference between “working group” officials in Washington and Seoul also discussed a move to resume dialogue between Pyongyang and Washington, reported the Yonhap news agency, quoting a Foreign Ministry spokesperson in Seoul.

The remotely held meeting comes hours before Kim Yong-chol, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s right hand man, arrives in Beijing on his way to Washington for talks with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

“Today, there were consultations on such matters as video reunions of separated families and the exchange of video letters,” the ministry said, referring to people with family on the other side of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War.

“The U.S. is also keenly interested in the humanitarian issue,” the news report added.

However, UN sanctions on Pyongyang are a potential setback to any program to be launched inside the communist North.

Officials also discussed a plan to provide the North with the antiviral medication Tamiflu.

The allies launched the working group last November as a separate communication channel amid speculation that they have a divergent approach toward the communist nation.