The latest round of ministerial talks between North and South Korea, which opened in Seoul on Wednesday, is a reminder that inter-Korean dialogue is alive. But prospects for reconciliation are clouded by the North's suspected nuclear-weapons program. As yet there is little hope for an improvement toward peace on the Korean Peninsula.
South Korean President Roh Moo Hyun continues to walk a tightrope, though he has cleared a few major hurdles. He has reached a meeting of minds with U.S. President George W. Bush, who is pursuing a hardline policy toward North Korea. Mr. Roh has also produced some tangible results in inter-Korean relations. Separated families have held reunions, and economic ties have improved.
North Korean leader Kim Il Jong is a pragmatist. Promoting dialogue with the South is the only practical way to get what he needs most: economic aid. It has been two months since China hosted a U.S-North Korea meeting in Beijing. Yet Pyongyang and Washington still appear to be poles apart. Mr. Kim should take the initiative to break the deadlock.