The courtship of Pyongyang continues. After Britain and Germany expressed interest in opening diplomatic relations with North Korea last weekend, the United States upped the ante with the two-day visit of Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. If there is progress in the relationship, Ms. Albright held out the possibility of a visit by President Bill Clinton next month. Progress is to be welcomed — if there are real changes in North Korea's approach to the world. Thus far, there are not.
North Korea's leader, Mr. Kim Jong Il, has proven to be a shrewd and skillful player, capturing the world's attention in a series of deft maneuvers. The summit with his South Korean counterpart, Mr. Kim Dae Jung, was a bold stroke. It has been followed by historic visits by North Korean officials to South Korea and the U.S., and Ms. Albright's trip to Pyongyang this week. A visit by Mr. Clinton would be a coup.
Given North Korea's half century of self-imposed isolation, there is understandable enthusiasm about any sign of an opening from the North. But there comes a time when the euphoria wears off and promises have to be kept. That time is now.