On Friday (13 July) North Korea proposed direct military talks with the U.S., referring to, “for the purpose of discussing the issues related to ensuring the peace and security on the Korean peninsula.” This is alluding to a formal peace treaty to replace the armistice that has been in place since 1953. By asking for direct talks with the U.S., North Korea is attempting to both exclude South Korea and temp the U.S. violate its position of conducting multi-lateral talks. Later on Friday the U.S. declined North Korea’s likely less than genuine offer:
Christopher Hill, the chief U.S. envoy to six-nation talks on North Korea, says Washington wants to see an end to Pyongyang’s nuclear programs first.
It’s hard to tell if Kim Jong-il had the entirely plausible heart surgery – bypass, stint, etc. – or if every detail is now being interpreted in that light. At any rate, 
