Summit ploy by South Korea?

South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun. Photo / Mark Mitchell

SEOUL - South Koreans hope a summit with the North announced yesterday will ease tension with their neighbour but worry it may be a ploy to boost the fortunes of their floundering President.

The leaders of North and South Korea said they would meet from August 28-30 in the North Korean capital Pyongyang in only the second summit between the two countries and their first in seven years.

Analysts suggested unpopular South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun may have arranged for the summit to help his fellow liberals in the election.

The Roh Government has been criticised by the public for giving too much aid to impoverished North Korea.

- Reuters