Korea Dialogue: Slow but Steady : Reunification uncertain, but they’re committed to keep talking

To some, there was no progress. To others, some, but not enough. Yet last week’s meeting between South and North Korea was at least a beginning. Seoul and Pyongyang finally opened a dialogue after a 45-year estrangement.

The historic talks between Prime Minister Yong Hyon Muk of North Korea and Prime Minister Kang Young Hoon of South Korea--the most senior officials ever to meet formally since the peninsula was split in 1945--ended without a major agreement but on a promising note. There was some compromise, frank discussions of their differences and a commitment to continue the dialogue next month.

The fact that the meeting even occurred, and in Seoul, was a breakthrough in itself. It was uncertain whether Pyongyang would make good on its plans to meet with its most hated rival until the very last minute. Then Pyongyang pressed for joint entry into the United Nations, an end to joint U.S.-South Korean military maneuvers and the release of political prisoners jailed last year for their unauthorized visits to the north. Seoul preferred cultural and family exchanges and joint economic ventures to build confidence first before future discussions on military issues.

They overcame an impasse when Seoul said it would not pursue an application for separate entry into the United Nations. In turn, Pyongyang appeared willing to resume border talks between Red Cross organizations in the north and south to allow humanitarian family exchanges. They had been cut off in protest of joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises.

Seoul is right in moving cautiously towards its Communist neighbor. It has reason to be mistrustful of North Korea’s Kim Il Sung, who started the bloody Korean War in 1950. His 42-year Stalinist regime is becoming increasingly isolated with the transformation of the Communist world. He agreed to a meeting only after the Soviet Union resumed diplomatic ties with South Korean President Roh Tae Woo’s government.

The capitalist south and Communist north have little in common except for their people. Their reconciliation at best will be long and difficult, their reunification uncertain.