*See also our article on Kim Il Sung, the original leader of northern Korea
The quasi-governmental press of southern Korea is reporting that the United $tates has agreed to terms with northern Korea on how to normalize relations. The initial steps include ending financial sanctions against northern Korea.(1)
The discussion of normalization is in stark contrast to the situation in Washington just four months ago, when various security officials and the press were talking about starving northern Korea into collapse or bombing as retaliation for nuclear testing.
At the same time, we hear a positive development in northern Korea, that the leadership is considering choosing someone not from Kim Jong Il's family as the next leader.(2)
Notes:
1. http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/nation/200703/kt2007031018162811950.htm
2. http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2007/s1857561.htm