U.S. earmarks $2.5 mln for possible aid to N. Korea

By Hwang Doo-hyong
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 (Yonhap) -- The U.S. government has earmarked US$2.5 million
in preparation for humanitarian aid to North Korea for the fiscal year starting
in October, according to the draft budget presented to Congress Monday.

The figure compares with the $3.5 million set aside for this year.
Congress last year slashed $95 million in this year's budget for energy aid to
North Korea and other expenses for its denuclearization under the six-party
process as the multilateral talks faltered.
The Obama administration last year asked for US$176.5 million in this year's
budget for North Korea's denuclearization.
The U.S. is obligated to provide 200,000 tons of heavy fuel oil to North Korea,
as well as some funding for disabling Pyongyang's nuclear facilities in the
second phase of a six-party deal.
The third and final phase calls for the dismantlement of North Korea's nuclear
programs and facilities in return for hefty economic and political benefits from
the five other parties, South Korea, the U.S., China, Russia and Japan.
But North Korea has boycotted the six-party talks in anger over U.N. sanctions
for its nuclear and missile tests early last year, demanding sanctions be lifted
before the talks reopen.
The U.S. wants the North to return to the talks first to discuss denuclearization
and any other issues, including sanctions and a peace treaty to replace the
armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War.
U.S. congressional reports have estimated the dismantlement of North Korea's
nuclear facilities would cost up to $575 million over the next several years.
The Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2008 enables the U.S. government to
finance the dismantling of North Korea's nuclear facilities through 2013,
overriding the Glenn Amendment, which banned any financial aid to states that
have conducted a nuclear test. North Korea has conducted two.
The U.S. spent $25 million on North Korea in 2008.
hdh@yna.co.kr
(END)

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