Finally---the end of Korean war?

the two leaders agreed that depending on the progress made in North Koreas nuclear disablement, the idea of signing a peace treaty between the two Koreas could be considered.

Chosun Ilbo
Actually some analysists have predicted it.
Tanaka
Edajima
Edajima

I am not convinced of Tanaka's argument, but North Korea as a pivotal point in relation to China and Iran in the U.S. strategy is an interesting and persuasive perspective.

Sato

update

Bush's talks with Roh focused on the six-nation negotiations to get North Korea to give up its nuclear ambitions. Soon after the mini diplomatic incident, Christopher Hill, the U.S. envoy handling the talks with Pyongyang, announced that nuclear experts from the U.S., China and Russia will travel to North Korea next week to survey nuclear facilities due to be shut down.

Bush said that during his talks with Roh, he reaffirmed the U.S. position that Washington will consider the war formally over only when North Korean leader Kim Jong Il actually dismantles his nuclear program.

Whatever Roh heard Bush say through his translator, it wasn't good enough.

``I think I did not hear President Bush mention the - a declaration to end the Korean War just now,'' Roh said as cameras clicked and television cameras rolled.

Bush said he thought he was being clear, but obliged Roh and restated the U.S. position.

That wasn't good enough either. ``If you could be a little bit clearer in your message,'' Roh said.

Bush, now looking irritated, replied: ``I can't make it any more clear, Mr. President. We look forward to the day when we can end the Korean War. That will end - will happen when Kim verifiably gets rid of his weapons programs and his weapons.''

The White House immediately downplayed the testy exchange and said the meeting went smoothly.

``There was clearly something lost in translation,'' National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said in a rushed e-mail to reporters.

``I really think the interpreter must not have conveyed the president's comments entirely clearly,'' Johndroe said. ``The president made clear in his opening remarks that he told Roh that the U.S. is committed to a peace agreement once North Korea complies.''

The photo-op began with the usual diplomatic pleasantries.

Bush said he and Roh had a ``friendly and frank'' discussion. He thanked South Korea for providing support for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and spoke optimistically about negotiations that the United States, South Korea, Russia, China and Japan are having to pressure the communist regime in Pyongyang to end its nuclear programs.

The president noted Roh's upcoming meeting with the communist leader and urged him to tell Kim that he needs to honor his agreements. link

Probably I was wrong. It was Roh who was willing to make the US to cut the deal and it seems Bush is ambvalent on this issue. It seems Korean media like even Chosun Ilbo welcomed it. Does that mean it was Roh's political show for domestic viewers?