N Korea proposes meetings on flood aid

North Korea has proposed a meeting with private South Korean groups to discuss flood aid for the first time since North Korean leader Kim Jong-un assumed power. The Korea NGO Council for Cooperation with North Korea said Thursday that North Korea’s Council for National Reconciliation proposed talks via fax on August tenth to discuss aid for flood-stricken North Korea in Gaeseong this Friday, according to Korea's (KBS World) website. The nongovernmental group has asked for the South Korean government's permission to attend the talks. The Unification Ministry said steps are being taken to see the visit approved. The ministry also said North Korea proposed talks next week on flood aid to the Foundation of Inter-Korean Cooperation and Okedongmu Children, two other South Korean civic organizations.