U.S. Plans Food Aid To N. Korea; Dole Objects

Clinton administration officials disclosed Friday they are planning $6 million in food aid for North Korea to help alleviate widespread shortages. The plan drew a sharp rebuke from Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole.

The officials said the American contribution is expected to be one of several made in response to an appeal by the United Nations for $43 million - roughly 70,000 metric tons - in emergency assistance. South Korean officials said they have decided to donate several million dollars in food relief.

State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns said no concessions will be asked of North Korea in return for the U.S. assistance. Dole, the presumed Republican presidential nominee, accused President Clinton of “rewarding enemies of the United States.” He called North Korea “Asia’s most dangerous regime.”