The joint declaration signed between North Korea leader Kim Jong Il and South Korean President Kim Dae Jung during the latter's just-concluded visit to Pyongyang is a truly historic document. It will, and should, require a complete reassessment of what is and is not possible regarding North-South reconciliation and reunification. It exceeded the expectations of even the most optimistic forecasts and has satisfactorily addressed the top priority issue of both sides going into the summit. It does not, however, guarantee peace on the Peninsula.
I was in Seoul when President Kim arrived in Pyongyang. Rumors were rampant the night before the trip that the arrival ceremony would be momentous and include a plane-side meeting with Chairman Kim Jong Il, but few believed that this would actually occur. Most officials, and virtually all reporters and pundits, were watching for the inevitable subtle (or not so subtle) slights.
Instead, in a symbol of profound importance and seemingly sincere respect, there was the reclusive North Korean leader, smiling and warmly greeting President Kim and his entourage on the tarmac and then riding with his South Korean counterpart to his guest quarters. The self-confident North Korean leader was friendly, even jovial, and articulate throughout the summit, destroying many of the stereotypes placed on him over the years.