US offers aid to DPRK over train tragedy

The United States said Monday that it is prepared to work with the United Nations to provide humanitarian aid to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) over last week's train tragedy in the country.

"We're working with the United Nations and we will be making an offer, some financial assistance, and we are waiting to see what the need is and what else we might be able to do," Secretary of State Colin Powell told reporters after meeting with Danish Foreign Minister Per Stig Moeller at the State Department.

"This is a humanitarian tragedy. Children have been injured, homes lost, and America has always been a giving nation that will respond in time of need," he said.

The secretary said that the United States is making the United Nations aware of its willingness to participate in whatever relief efforts might be appropriate for it to participate.

At least 154 people, including 76 primary school students, were killed and more than 1,300 injured in the train explosion which occurred at Ryongchon railway station in the DPRK last Thursday.   

Source: Xinhua