Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Is North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un Serious About Reconciling With South Korea?



In South Korea, Kim Jong-un's New Year Speech Generates Surprise - And Doubt -- Christian Science Monitor

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for economic reform and expressed a wish to improve relations with South Korea, departing from the usual North Korea rhetoric.

North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un signaled his desire for improved relations with South Korea in a New Year’s Day address that South Korean officials see as an unsatisfying attempt to appear conciliatory.

A day after Kim Jong-un stressed the need for resolving North-South confrontation, South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan responded Wednesday by calling for North Korea to make “wise and right decisions” by coordinating with “neighboring countries.”

Kim’s address was noteworthy for both the absence of the type of recriminations that characterize North Korean rhetoric and also because Kim Jong-un seized the occasion to speak publicly.

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More News On Reaction To Kim Jong-un's New Year Speech

S. Korea cagey on Kim's speech, analysts see reform push -- AFP
S. Korea Dismisses Kim Jong Un’s Call for Reduced Tensions -- Voice of America
South Korea press cynical of Kim Jong-un's speech -- BBC
Kim Jong-un breaks with tradition in flagging better ties -- The Australian
Kim Jong-un calls for end to confrontation with South Korea -- The Guardian
In first New Year speech, North Korea's Kim Jong Un calls for economic revamp -- CNN
North Korea is not keen on reunification -- Gulf News
Little Hope for Change in Pyongyang -- John Lee, Wall Street Journal

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