UN Updates

United Nations representatives are frantically trying to raise humanitarian aid for North Korean refugeess in China. The European Union has committed to contributing 1 billion in aid, however negotiations have stalled with Japan, the United States and the Republic of Korea. Six-party talks with both DPRK factions are contingent on aid being delivered to China. To meet UN transparancy requirements, UN officials negotiated with China that UN officials would observe the transfer of funds directly to refugees in Northern China and the DPRK.

In late hour discussions however, China agreed to join six-party talks on the condition that repatriation of North Korean refugees begin under UN auspices and Russian personnel. This official action will be discussed and possibly ratified at the next Security Council meeting (beginning immediately during the next session).

The UN has not confirmed whether or not the IAEA will begin nuclear inspections of shipments from the DPRK to the United States.