HONG KONG -- Perhaps it is in the nature of joint declarations that their merits tend to be exaggerated. The British did it with their joint declaration with China regarding Hong Kong, the Indians did it with their joint declaration with Pakistan at Lahore. Now the South Koreans, plus many foreigners who should know better, are following suit. The first ever document signed by the leaders of both North and South Korea is already being oversold as a "landmark pact" and a "historic agreement" setting the two Koreas on the "road to reunification."
Last week's relief was understandable. But did the summit justify euphoria?
The reality remains that the joint declaration signed by South Korean President Kim Dae Jung and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il raises more questions than it answers.