Seoul set to resume civic aid to N. Korea

By Kim Young-jin

The South Korean government will begin reviewing requests by humanitarian groups to deliver aid to North Korea, after it suspended the application process following the death of Kim Jong-il, the late ruler of the impoverished state, officials said.

Most inter-Korean exchanges were put on hold as the North observed a mourning period after Kim’s fatal heart attack on Dec. 17.

“The principles and process for civilian humanitarian aid will be the same as before,” an official of the unification ministry, which oversees cross-border affairs, said on condition of anonymity.

The move came as the South is showing signs of greater openness in the aftermath of Kim’s death and as his youngest son, Kim Jong-un, establishes himself as the new leader.

On Monday, Lee said in a New Year’s speech he was leaving a "window of opportunity" open to improve cross-border relations if the North “comes forward with a sincere attitude.” The remarks were seen as Seoul prioritizing stability on the fractured peninsula and to coax Pyongyang back to denuclearization talks on constructive terms.

Observers noted that Lee did not demand apologies for the North’s two deadly provocations in 2010 and 2011. The move, they said, allowed the South to be more flexible while maintaining its call for denuclearization.

Lee’s remarks came after the North’s powerful National Defense Commission vowed not to deal with the Lee Myung-bak administration. Pyongyang has also slammed the South for only permitting two unofficial delegations to cross the border to pay final respects to the deceased leader.

Officials here have indicated the ball is in Pyongyang’s court to respond to Lee’s dialogue overtures, despite the North’s criticism.

Prior to Kim’s death, Seoul had allowed a limited number of groups to deliver such items as flour and infant food to the North as well as trips to monitor their delivery. Some countries have expressed concern that aid to the North gets stockpiled for military purposes.

Seoul resumed humanitarian activities after lifting a ban imposed after the attacks, allowing some groups to deliver flour and other products to people who need them most, such as children. The United Nations says some 3 million North Koreans will need food assistance in 2012.

Analysts expect the North to keep up its harsh rhetoric against Seoul, saying it gives the new leader a clear enemy to rally against as he consolidates power. Pyongyang is likely to attempt to exacerbate division in the South over its Pyongyang policy.

After Kim’s death, polls showed an increase in the number of those seeking a softer line on Pyongyang.

Tensions have been high under the Lee government, which ended a decade of massive aid and tied its provision to denuclearization steps by the North. Ties turned icy when Pyongyang sank the warship Cheonan and shelled Yeonpyeong Island, killing a total of 50.