ASIA: A serious humanitarian crisis persists in DPR Korea. In China, the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has significantly affected the country�s economy and agriculture. In Iraq, the outcome of the current crops is uncertain due to insecurity and shortages of spare parts for harvesting machinery. In Afghanistan prospects are for an improved cereal harvest this year. However, access to food remains a serious problem for a large number of people. The food situation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip continues to be grim due to disruptions caused by military operations.