Festive Mood Quietens Down In Pyongyang, Prospects For Dialogue With U.S. Still Dim

PYONGYANG, NORTH KOREA - APRIL 19: Business returned to normal and the atmosphere quietened down in North Korea’s capital Pyongyang on April 19, midway between the late state founder Kim Il Sung’s birthday on April 15 and the next national holiday -- the anniversary of the founding of the Korean People’s Army -- on April 25. After repeating provocative actions toward the United States, the North’s leadership has begun to hint at the possibility of dialogue. But a deep rift remains between the two sides and prospects for easing tension are still dim.