The latest normalization talks between Japan and North Korea, held here for two days last week, ended in a draw, although the two sides agreed to meet again later this year. While North Korea focused on "liquidating the past," demanding a Japanese apology and compensation for the 1910-1945 colonization of the Korean Peninsula, Japan insisted that North Korea first settle the long-pending issue of the alleged abduction of Japanese civilians by North Korean agents and provide assurances that it will give up its missile-development program.
The talks did not break down, as did talks held earlier this decade, and the two sides reaffirmed the need to continue the dialogue. A joint statement says the two nations will step up negotiations to establish diplomatic relations and that the next round will be held in October in an unspecified third country. Given the wide differences between the two delegations, that may be considered an achievement of sorts.
Since the last normalization talks opened in April in Pyongyang for the first time in more than seven years, the situation on the Korean Peninsula has changed dramatically, due chiefly to the historic inter-Korean summit meeting held in June. North Korea's international circumstances have also improved markedly, thanks to Pyongyang's active efforts to promote dialogue and exchanges with other countries.