The presidential office has expressed its intent to allow humanitarian aid to continue through the South Korean Red Cross.

Presidential spokeswoman Kim Hee-jung made the comment to reporters Tuesday, saying that Seoul has not changed its overall policy stance toward North Korea.

She said Seoul has never wavered in its stance that it will provide humanitarian support to the North for infants and the victims of flood damage, despite North Korea’s sinking of the “Cheonan” naval vessel.

Kim Sung-hwan, the senior presidential secretary for foreign affairs and security, said the North’s recent request for aid including rice is the first time it has officially asked for such support.'

Kim said South Korea is reviewing plans for assistance as Seoul has already said it would help North Korea with some ten billion won in aid through the South Korean Red Cross.

He said however that the actual amount of support that will be offered and whether rice would be included has yet to be decided.