Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Agenzia Fides) -In its latest report sent to Fides Caritas Korea says in view of aid programme 2007 for N. Korea, it formed a team and held Senior Working-level meetings with N. Korean counterparts, explaining that Caritas would continue to work to support the poor and the suffering of all nationalities, ideologies, faiths, “even in the case of a threat of an additional nuclear test…our task is to help the vulnerable groups and the suffering in N. Korea”.
The Caritas delegation which met Pyongyang government representatives included Augustine Koo, Rosa Chung, Stella Koh, Joseph Seo, led by Caritas Korea Director Fr Paul Hwang, and accompanied by Maryknoll missionary Fr Gerard Hammond. The delegates presented and subjected for approval a 10 point manifesto of principles for bi-lateral cooperation to aid vulnerable people. Caritas will organise the cooperation together with a N. Korean counterpart. Caritas will adhere to the conduct code of NGOs and form a team of experts and an office to follow cooperation programmes. Principles include transparency for the benefit of donors who will be regularly informed of the effectiveness and arrangement of aid. Aid will not be given in money but in humanitarian aid for short term and long term projects up to 10 years.
The manifesto explains how programmes are discussed and approved. In order to guarantee harmony and mutual understanding similar meetings will be held four times a year. The representatives of Pyongyang said they hoped Caritas would continue to send Aid to the North as in the past 12 years, stressing the need for help in the field of agricultural production, water supplies, and medicines particularly for children.
The meeting was held in a spirit of cordiality and hospitality. At the end of the meeting Fr Hammond celebrated Mass.
Programme director is lay Catholic Augustine Koo, who took the place of Swiss born Kathi Zellweger Caritas Hong Kong, in charge of aid to N. Korea for ten years and who made more than 50 missions to the territory.
Caritas Korea director general Fr Paul Jeremiah Hwang Yong-yeon, says the delegation said the meeting was promising for the future. Another step has been taken to rebuild the bond between south and North Korea. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 30/10/2006 righe: 35 parole: 352)
