President Roh Moo-hyun

Accordingly, some are speculating that a second intra-Korean summit, following the first that was held in 2000, might take place in Moscow. As of now, however, the prospects do Chance of Intra-Korean Summit in Moscow Slim

Both President Roh Moo-hyun and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il have been invited to a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II, to be held in Moscow on May 9.

There is speculation that a second intra-Korean summit, following a historic one in 2000, could take place on the sidelines of the celebration. However, prospects do not look good since it is unlikely the North Korean leader will attend.

Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kim Jong-min confirmed Sunday that President Roh had received an invitation and said the president was considering accepting. Senior officials said Roh was likely to attend as there was no reason for the president to pass up an opportunity to meet with major world leaders. The timing of the event would also tie in conveniently with a planned visit by the president to Germany.

But Kim Jong-il’s attendance is less likely since North Korea on comparable occasions has either sent its nominal head of state, President Kim Young-nam of the Supreme People's Assembly Presidium, or stayed away altogether.

Korea Institute for National Unification researcher Chon Hyun-joon said that since Kim Jong-il has never attended an international event with foreign heads of state, it was unlikely he would go to Moscow. But he added Kim was notoriously unpredictable and his attendance could not be completely ruled out. A Cheong Wa Dae official said his office was planning for all eventualities including Kim’s presence in Moscow.

The leaders of 55 nations of World War II victors like the U.S., Britain and France, losers like Germany and Japan, as well as those profoundly affected by it, like China and Korea, have been invited to the celebration.

(Shin Jeong-rok, jrshin@chosun.com )