I have to say that the North Korean Unification official, Ri Son Gwan was characteristically arrogant and rude during the time the cameras and reporters were present. When asked how he could expect to discuss economic cooperation with the South in terms of joint projects in North Korea when the sanctions were still in effect, he said, "Don't ask me ask the representatives from the South." He was acting as if he was in the driver's seat, and used some inscrutable country analogy, such as, "don't try to look into the mouth of a snail..." (the internal workings of North Korean decision making? I guess that's like watching sausage being made?) in response to inquiries from the South, "I will disclose that properly when it becomes clear." He was very reproachful and scolding in demeanor toward to the ever courteous and self effacing Jo Myun Kyun, Unification Minister for the South, who suggested that reporters and cameras be removed from the room, "because he was shy and couldn't match the speaking ability of the Northern official." He was well aware that Ri was trying to bootstrap the press coverage for propaganda purposes, but it was in such an obnoxious way, I think Jo saved the North from itself for the time being.

The South Korean analysts who watched this episode were very concerned for the prospects of the potential summit, and speculated that the North was unable to fix a date because of the upcoming 9.9 national celebration in the North, the anticipated visit of Sec Pompeo to Pyongyang next week, and also an anticipated Kim Xi summit in the near future, if Kim follows his recent pattern.

I think the senior analyst on the South Korean Channel A Top Ten broadcast today shared a similar bent when he said, something like, it will be a while before we know the color of that pepper referring to North Korean intent. There is something of an air of desperation in North Korea with respect to sanctions, and it is unrealistic to expect the South to violate them, which they won't. It is characteristic of President Moon, that he is willing to take further risks to try to bridge differences in the negotiating positions of the US and North Korea.