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PacNet #26 – A target of opportunity for Northeast Asia

The most important outcome of last week’s meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi Junichiro and South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun is that it occurred at all. The two men frankly acknowledged deep differences over historical issues and Koizumi’s repeated visits to Yasukuni Shrine. By agreeing to disagree, they demonstrated the mutual respect that is the starting point for fixing their damaged relationship.