ASIA:In DPR Korea, despite a marked recovery in 2001 cereal production, food assistance will still be needed in 2002 to meet the country's minimum food requirements. In Mongolia, the harshness of the current winter poses a serious threat to the already fragile food situation of thousands of herder families who lost animals in previous two winters. The food situation in Afghanistan remains grave, notwithstanding the relative calm and improved delivery of food assistance. The serious food situation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip is also of particular concern.