Kim Jong-il’s recent soothing words to US diplomats do not represent an offer of peace, but a “peace offensive” – a tactic used by the North repeatedly in order to sow division whenever the regime’s adversaries show unity and resolve.
TOKYO – When a North Korean dove clutching an olive branch suddenly appears, the world should challenge it to reveal its hidden talons. This is the only prudent stance for South Korea to adopt when face-to-face negotiations with the North begin on February 8. For what Kim is now offering is not peace, but a “peace offensive” – a tactic used by the North repeatedly since the armistice of 1953 in order to sow division whenever the regime’s adversaries have demonstrated unity and resolve.
TOKYO – When a North Korean dove clutching an olive branch suddenly appears, the world should challenge it to reveal its hidden talons. This is the only prudent stance for South Korea to adopt when face-to-face negotiations with the North begin on February 8. For what Kim is now offering is not peace, but a “peace offensive” – a tactic used by the North repeatedly since the armistice of 1953 in order to sow division whenever the regime’s adversaries have demonstrated unity and resolve.