NK`s about-face derails latest inter-Korean military talks

North Korean negotiators in the latest inter-Korean talks showed a strong will Tuesday to reach a breakthrough in proposed high-level military dialogue.

As the two sides failed to reach an agreement in marathon preliminary talks that lasted more than nine hours, the North offered to stay up all night to continue discussion.

This attitude gave rise to optimism over the talks until Wednesday morning. The two sides continued the talks without significant friction.

Things took an unexpected turn in the afternoon, however. The North Korean delegates angrily walked out just 10 minutes after the talks resumed at 2:20 p.m. as their demands were rejected by South Korea. Around 2:50 p.m., they crossed the inter-Korean border without scheduling new talks.

Experts in the South say the sudden change of attitude by the North could stem from urgent messages from the leadership in Pyongyang, as Seoul insisted that the North take responsible measures over its attack on a South Korean warship and a frontline island last year.

While the North offered to include easing inter-Korean tension, including on the attacks, into the main agenda for the proposed senior-level talks, the South refused. South Korean officials who previously took part in inter-Korean talks say the North Korean negotiators had little discretion for negotiations.

Others say, however, that it could be the North`s unique tactic of brinkmanship.

"The North Koreans are very good at making dialogue offensives and then backing away when the South responds seriously," a South Korean military official said. "It`s possible that the North Koreans blame the South for failed negotiations and then propose another round of talks through a telephone notice."

polaris@donga.com