North Korean negotiators said in New York that they would participate in four-party talks leading to a formal peace treaty on Korea. Initial discussions on the time, place and agenda of a more formal parley will begin on Aug. 5. Progress was stalled when Pyongyang sent a submarine full of commandos to the South last September and resumed after it apologized. Since then, the famine-threatened North has conditioned its attendance on more food aid.
Few observers expect quick breakthroughs.
The North Koreans are tough negotiators even with a weak hand. Still, Seoul has toned down its rhetoric against its foe and may even postpone public appearances by its prize defector, Pyongyang ex-ideologue Hwang Jang Yop. The announcement of talks came just before the third death anniversary of North Korean leader Kim Il Sung. It may suggest that his son and successor, Kim Jong Il, wants to show he is serious about making peace. All Rights Reserved.