South Korea Koreas US Food Aid
Protesters shout slogans with a photo of U.S. special envoy for North Korea policy Stephen Bosworth during a rally demanding a restart of peace talks...
Protesters shout slogans with a photo of U.S. special envoy for North Korea policy Stephen Bosworth during a rally demanding a restart of peace talks between two Koreas and six-party talks, in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, May 17, 2011. Bosworth says Washington will soon decide whether to send officials to North Korea for talks on food aid. The placard reads: "Start the meeting between two Koreas and six-party talks." (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
South Korea Koreas US Food Aid
U.S. special envoy for North Korea policy Stephen Bosworth answers reporters' questions after meeting with South Korea's chief nuclear negotiator Wi ...
U.S. special envoy for North Korea policy Stephen Bosworth answers reporters' questions after meeting with South Korea's chief nuclear negotiator Wi Sung-lac, unseen, at Foreign Ministry in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, May 17, 2011.(AP Photo/ Lee Jin-man)
South Korea Koreas US Food Aid
U.S. special envoy for North Korea policy Stephen Bosworth, center, answers reporters' questions after meeting with South Korea's chief nuclear negot...
U.S. special envoy for North Korea policy Stephen Bosworth, center, answers reporters' questions after meeting with South Korea's chief nuclear negotiator Wi Sung-lac, unseen, at Foreign Ministry in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, May 17, 2011.(AP Photo/ Lee Jin-man)
A South Korean official says the United States plans to send an envoy to North Korea for talks on the North's urgent request for food aid.
The U.S. suspended food shipments to North Korea in 2009 after monitors were expelled. But activists and humanitarians have recently urged Washington to resume shipments as the North suffers after summer floods and a harsh winter.
A South Korean Foreign Ministry official said Tuesday that Washington plans to send its envoy for North Korean human rights to Pyongyang to assess the need for aid and ways to make sure the shipments reach the hungry.
The official says Robert King's trip could start early next week.
He requested anonymity because Washington plans to make a formal announcement.
