'Time for sincerity'

North Korea's on-again, off-again attempts at dialogue with the outside world have provoked as much hope as exasperation.

"Sincere" is a word rarely used by once-reclusive leader Kim Jong-il and his diplomats, but it is hoped they now adopt it as their catch-cry.

Too often, the North has pulled back at crucial times in negotiations. Whether by design or due to genuine misgivings, the tired pattern has led to only skepticism by those involved.

Another door of optimism has been opened by Kim's acceptance of an offer to reopen talks with the United States and his promise to visit Seoul for talks with his South Korean counterpart, Kim Dae-jung.

Reunions of families split by the division of the Korean peninsula 50 years ago will resume.

There was similar optimism two years ago when talks in Pyongyang between the Kims were announced. The historic visit opened North Korea to the world and the thought of reunification went from being an impossible dream to a possibility.

But within a year, those thoughts had turned to familiar animosity and distrust. U.S. President George W. Bush's January labeling of North Korea as part of an "axis of evil" along with Iran and Iraq hammered in the final nail.

South Korean presidential envoy Lim Dong-won last week breathed new life into the process after three days of talks in Pyongyang. He has convinced Kim Jong-il that nothing is to be gained from maintaining an insular attitude.

Face-to-face talks are the only way that tensions on the peninsula can be calmed or concerns about Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs can be dealt with.

But it is up to North Korea to remain engaged and not back off as it has numerous times before. If it truly wants to become a member of the world community, it must show dedication.

-- The South China Morning Post, Hong Kong