Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman
Washington, DC
The United States would like to express its sincere condolences to the people of North Korea who have suffered loss of life, homes and injury as a result the recent severe flooding.
Through U.S. non-governmental partners, the United States is already providing immediate assistance in the form of badly needed antibiotics to prevent the spread of water-borne illness.
Previous reports had indicated that North Korea was experiencing a grain shortfall of approximately one million tons. The severe August floods have worsened the already desperate situation of the North Korean people.
As President Bush has noted, the American people are compassionate and concerned about the people of North Korea.
Therefore, the United States is prepared to engage with North Korean officials on arrangements for a significant food aid package, including appropriate monitoring procedures.
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