Time Magazine is reporting that today U.S. special envoy Stephen Bosworth is headed to Pyongyang, North Korea to begin a day and a half of talks regarding a return to the “six-party talks” format that prevailed under the Bush Administration.
According to the article, “North Korea’s dictator Kim Jong Il has previously declared the six-party talks “dead,” saying only direct negotiation with the U.S. on a range of issues is acceptable. But pressure from China — thought to be the only country with any leverage over Pyongyang — may have produced a change of heart.”
Although expectations for the talks are low, there is optimism that the recent visit by Former President Bill Clinton may have eased ongoing tensions between the two nations, thus creating the opportunity for future discussions.
The full Time article can be read online here