DISCUSSIONS in New York between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and General Kim Yong Chol revive hopes of progress towards a reduction of tension and the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

Over recent weeks North Korea has made consistent attempts to keep discussions on track and to enhance confidence-building measures.

But there should be no illusions about the underlying threats to world peace — or that they result from a dangerous brinkmanship by the United States.