"But that doesn't mean there will be an explosion," the diplomat added.

"I think the most important thing is that they met at all," the diplomat added.

To put flesh on the bones of this economic union will be difficult, the diplomat added.

"Who can say what kind of instability might break out in the north," the diplomat added.

"A lot of progress has been made," the diplomat added.

Besides, the diplomat added, no leader in a developing country gets elected on environmental issues.

Our diplomat added that "the Soviets understand this at the highest level."

The diplomat added, "There is a dual standard at work, and the whole world has taken note."

The diplomat added that Seoul's response was unlikely to come much before year's end.

But in each case, the diplomat added, there were blemishes.