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28 february 2008
On the New York Philharmonic Orchestra concert in Pyongyang
One the most eminent US orchestra has given a concert in North Korea, the first time since the foundation of the Communist Korea which is always officially at war with the USA
For the first time, at the opening of the concert, the US anthem has been played, applauded in a standing ovation by the North Korean officials
It is easy to compare that event with the ping-pong diplomacy (exchange of ping-pong teams between USA and China) which preceded the February visit of US president Richard Nixon to China or the performance of the Boston Orchestra to Moscow in 1986 with a 10-minute standing ovation at the opening of the concert.
But, contrary to these events with China then Soviet Union, are Washington and Pyongyang ready for a such reconciliation ? That could be a so much good news !!!!
But in fact, the invitation sent by New Korean authorities to the New York Philharmonic Orchestra was at a time when Pyongyang at a time when Pyongyang had signed a commitment to dismantle its nuclear facilities before the end of 2007, but it didn’t. That’s why the US secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who was supposed to attend the concert, didn’t come
Some peoples suggest that North Korea could use this concert (and they have already invited a British star singer) for their propaganda. Despite everything, I think it is a good step. If they had wanted, the US could have cancel the concert at the last moment
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