Oppressive Rations

Tuesday, October 4, 2005
By Annie I. Bang
The Korea HeraldNorth Korea has reportedly resumed its public food distribution system after closing down cereal sales at markets on Saturday. Some analysts here say that Pyongyang's management in the long-run would only allow the government to regain a tight control of its people. This is the "progress" America is bargaining for? It's just more of the same policies that are starving North Koreans to death.

"The food rationing system might promise the same or equal provision of food to the poor who couldn't afford the high-priced food in the markets, but in the long-term, more people would depend more on the government to live," said Yoo Ho-yeol, professor of North Korean Studies at Korea University.

The World Food Program on Friday reported on its Web site that as of Oct. 1, "cereal sales in the markets will cease and public distribution centers will take over nationwide distribution."
Experts said Pyongyang's decision to resume food rationing came as North Korean authorities expect a bigger harvest this year.