The United States and North Korea do not have diplomatic relations. Technically, they are still at war. That has not stopped them from negotiating important issues, but the lack of an official relationship has complicated already difficult talks. Now, however, the two countries are moving toward reconciliation. It is a welcome development, but one fraught with peril. Washington must not insert itself into the process of intra-Korean reconciliation, and it must ensure that Japan, an ally and diplomatic partner, is not isolated and backed into a corner.
Washington was aglow with warm feelings toward the North this past week during the visit of Vice Marshal Jo Myong Rok, vice chairman of North Korea's National Defense Commission. Marshal Jo, considered the right-hand man of Supreme Leader Kim Jong Il, is the highest-ranking North Korean official ever to visit the U.S.; his meetings with U.S. President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright are the highest-level contacts ever between the two countries. His visit, and the reciprocal gestures, were strong signals that the two nations are serious about forging a new relationship.
The visit produced a joint communique, in which both countries pledged to create "a new orientation" in their bilateral relationship and to free themselves from the antagonism of the past. To do that, they promised to maintain diplomatic contacts through a variety of channels and to extend economic ties. North Korea told the U.S. it will not launch long-range missiles as long as the two nations continue talks on missile issues. To move the process forward, Ms. Albright will visit Pyongyang "in the near future" to lay the groundwork for a visit by Mr. Clinton, perhaps as early as next month, when the president travels to Asia for the November summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum and a visit to Vietnam.