51.   North Korea appeals for food assistance from other governments.

52.   North Korea claims that the briefing is conditional on large-scale U.S. food assistance through Cargill Inc., a Minnesota-based commodities trading firm.

53.   North Korea has twice postponed the briefing, citing U.S. failure to give it promised food assistance.

54.   Other peaceful highway blockades were reported around the country, including the central city of Cordoba by unemployed workers who are demanding government food assistance and jobs.

55.   Rival South Korea, potentially one of the largest aid donors, is holding off large-scale food assistance until Pyongyang eases its hard-line policy toward it.

56.   Reports said police and guardsmen also broke up an attempt to blockade a highway north of the capital by picketing protesters who are demanding government food assistance and jobs.

57.   Sotelo said food assistance from the municipal government is being hampered by strict rules covering government funds released during the current election campaign.

58.   The agency targets food assistance to children under six, hospitals, the elderly and to health centers.

59.   The government has provided food assistance to those worst hit as well as agricultural equipment and seeds.

60.   The food assistance offered by such multinational organizations as the World Bank, as well as by individual countries, is therefore most welcome.