N. Korean leader puzzles Russian media

The Russian press is embroiled in a circus of speculation concerning North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il`s recanting of his earlier statement made to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kim now says that he meant it as a joke when he proposed to give up missile development under certain conditions.

The Russian press reported on Kim`s retraction, and some media called Putin a pawn in a game between North Korea and the United States. Others interpreted the situation as Putin`s clever victory.

The Izvestia newspaper reported that Putin had understood Kim`s statement to be a joke but had purposely conveyed it otherwise. The newspaper reported that now the world will come to realize Putin`s diplomatic savvy and cleverness in playing upon a joke, whether it was or not.