September 9 and October 10 are North Korean Foundation Day and the Workers Party anniversary, respectively and Kim Jong Il's ascension does not appear to be on this year's calendar. It has been said that North Korea would prefer that the ruling party win the election. According to an expert who has been to North Korea a number of times, North Korea would rather deal with a hostile government in South, for it would help the Party stay in power in North. To this end, North Korea may d o what it can to help the ruling party win the election. North Korea will definitely attach strings to Lee's visit.
Nothing is free in diplomacy.
One gets and one gives. It is not clear exactly what North Korea would want in return for Lee's visit. It is rumored that the ruling party is getting set to give what North Korea desires the most. Above all, North Korea desires improved relations with the United States and Japa n not contingent upon North-South relations, since it would help its stagnating economy. Our sources state that Seoul may provide North Korea with capitals with no strings attached.