UN worried about the humanitarian crisis in North Korea

The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, expressed the international organization's deep worry regarding the humanitarian crisis in North Korea in the aftermath of floods that killed 169 people meanwhile 400 were reported missing and 212,200 others left homeless as well as the destruction of 650 square kilometers of farmlands in North Korea whose population are suffering from severe food shortages, according to officially released statistics in the capital, Pyongyang.Ban Ki-moon, during a visit to South Korea, explained that the United Nations was very concerned over the humanitarian crisis in North Korea and the Korean Government gives special attention to health problems of youngsters and damage resultant from recent drought and floods. Ban Ki-moon added that the UN has provided the necessary assistance and intends to increase its aid, pointing out the UN and the IRC teams had left to the affected regions in order to assess the size of damage amidst dire need for potable water, foodstuffs and medication. On the other hand, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, affirmed that he seeks to pacify unrest in the Korean peninsula and to achieve reconciliation between both Koreas. Last February, the United States of America offered 240 tons of foodstuffs in assistance to North Korean in consideration for a suspension of its controversial nuclear and ballistics program. However, Washington withdrew its offer after Pyongyang's launching of a satellite last April which was immediately detested by western countries. The incident also led to hightening of unrest between the two Koreas.