The historic summit between South Korean President Kim Dae-jung and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il last year raised hopes for reconciliation between the nations after decades of hatred since the 1950-53 Korean War.

But Kim Jong Il held back on a promised visit to Seoul for more talks in March in response to the United States suspending relations with North Korea.

The reconciliation process was brought to a standstill.

Pyongyang, however, unexpectedly shifted its stance a day before Chinese President Jiang Zemin began a three-day visit to North Korea in September by suggesting a resumption of dialogue with Seoul.

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