From a wary Japan, optimism on remarks by North Korea leader

TOKYO -- Japanese media reacted Sunday with guarded optimism to comments made by the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-il, in an interview with Kyodo News Agency. It was the first time that Mr. Kim has spoken with media from a country that does not have diplomatic relations with Pyeongyang.

In his written reply to the questions submitted by Kyodo News and printed Saturday, Mr. Kim called the upcoming Japanese leader's visit to the North "an epoch-making chance to normalize North Korea-Japan relations."

Japan's prime minister, Junichiro Koizumi, is scheduled to hold a summit with Mr. Kim Tuesday as a step toward establishing ties between the two foes, whose enmity dates back to the early 20th century. "There are no problems that cannot be resolved between the two countries if responsible politicians tackle them from a broad perspective for the benefit of the desires and the interests of the people," Mr. Kim said.

Although he expressed high expectations on relations with Japan, Mr. Kim, however, did not forget to make clear preconditions for the normalization of the bilateral relations, saying the key is to "liquidate the detestable past that exists between the two countries." Mr. Kim repeated Pyeongyang's longstanding demands that Japan must "apologize sincerely by giving thorough consideration to all the suffering and damage it inflicted on the Korean people, and the issue of compensation must also be resolved." Mr. Kim did not elaborate on how Japan could atone for its aggression on the peninsula before and during World War II.

In an attempt to alleviate regional fears, the leader of the world's most secretive regime told Kyodo News that his state's military power will not be a threat to the security in Northeast Asia. "The Japanese people appear to be worried about our defense capabilities, but our policy is self-defense from beginning to end," Mr. Kim said. "Our military power will be merciless to those who violate us, but in other cases we will not use military force on anyone."

Mr. Kim said he is willing to visit Japan once the two nations restore ties.

Japanese government officials saw Mr. Kim's remarks as a positive overture for the upcoming summit, although much of the content of Mr. Kim's statement was not new.

"The fact that the North Korean leader, who has not answered such questions in the past, responded at all may be a sign of a major change," the deputy chief cabinet secretary, Shinzo Abe, told reporters. Mr. Abe has been known for his hardline on the North.

Japanese media generally portrayed Mr. Kim's remarks in a positive light, but pointed out that no change was seen in his views toward regional security and demands for compensation. The Japanese daily Yomiuri Shimbun said Mr. Kim may have intended to grasp the initiative for the summit by stepping out to approach the public.

by Oh Day-young