Brussels, 01/03/2002 (Agence Europe) - On 19 February the European Commission approved the strategic co-operation document for the Popular Democratic Republic of Korea. The document was prepared by Commissioners Solbes, Nielson, Verheugen, Patten and Lamy. For the 2001-2004 period, the Commission proposes focusing co-operation on (1) Aid for administrative and institutional reforms, (2) Sustainable management and use of natural resources and (3) The transport sector. These three priorities will benefit from an annual funding of EUR 5 million and have been defined on the basis of results of a mission sent to North Korea in February 2001. Humanitarian aid, food aid and technical assistance will also be provided. The strategy document will be revised at the end of 2003 or earlier if necessary, taking into consideration the progress achieved by North Korea in carrying out reforms.
Co-operation development policy for North Korea can be located in the context of greater rapprochement between itself and south Korea and the efforts, supported by the EU to reform made by the Pyongyang regime, even if the Commission recognises that the human rights situation in the country is far from satisfactory. The Commission stresses, nonetheless, that North Korea is ready to discuss the issue. As well as further European participation in the KEDO organisation, which is responsible for energy questions in the Korean Peninsula, the document calls for improved co-ordination of Community aid with that of Member States and other donors.