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PacNet #23 – North-South Summit: Cause for Cautious Optimism

All eyes will be focused next week on Pyongyang for the historic June 12-14 summit between ROK President Kim Dae-Jung and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il. Last week’s surprise visit to Beijing by the reclusive North Korean leader – reportedly his first trip outside the hermit kingdom in 17 years – has added to the drama. But, while these events provide cause for cautious optimism, the wave of exuberance sweeping over the Korean Peninsula seems premature.