Handing the fund, Ho expressed deep sympathy and condolences over the huge human and material losses caused by the devastating quake.

He said that the C.C., the DPRK Red Cross Society sent the relief fund to the Japanese victims on the basis of noble humanitarianism regardless of political and diplomatic issues.

He hoped that the DPRK and Japan would boost cooperation and exchange at the Red Cross level.

The chairman of the Japan Red Cross Society expressed deep thanks to the DPRK for sending the relief fund despite the fact that the Japan-DPRK relations remain complicated and it is hard pressed for building an economic power.

Ho later had a press conference at the Korean Hall in Tokyo.

He referred to the fact that General Secretary Kim Jong Il sent out of his loving care relief fund to the Korean victims in Japan.

The relief fund would be shared out not only among compatriots under Chongryon but among all other Korean victims, he said.

After the killer quake hit Japan, Chongryon formed an emergency measure committee and has since taken necessary measures such as positive aid activities not only for Korean victims but for Japanese ones, he noted.

Chongryon will join the Japanese people in the efforts to eradicate the aftermath of the quake, he stressed.