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lapsed before it even began. But while the last-minute cancellation over a protocol dispute shows the Koreas' deep mutual mistrust, they may have more reasons than not to eventually unpack the meeting gear and get back to negotiations.
• New South Korean President Park Geun-hye is under pressure to make good on her campaign promises to reverse a deterioration of ties under her hard-line predecessor. A high-level meeting would validate her attempt to combine a tough line against provocations with commitments to provide aid and steady calls for dialogue.
• North Korea is interested in reviving the two economic projects that were to be the main focus of the meetings, both as an emblem of reconciliation and as a source of foreign investment and hard cash. Pyongyang may also be feeling a pinch from its only major ally, China, which has clamped down on cross-border trade and financial dealings in a show of displeasure over a recent spike in tensions.
• "Even though a cooling-off period at this point is inevitable, it is still possible for a different level of the South-North talks to take place as time passes," said Kim Yong-hyun, a professor of North Korea studies of Dongguk University in Seoul.
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• LAUREL, Md. (AP) -- The father of the girlfriend of Edward Snowden described the leaker of national secrets as a shy and reserved man with convictions, but said Tuesday he's "still shocked" by the news about him.
• Jonathan Mills, speaking to reporters Tuesday evening outside his home in Laurel, Md., described 29-year-old Edward Snowden as "very nice. Shy, and reserved."
• "He's always had strong convictions of right and wrong, and it kind of makes sense. But still shocked," Mills said, describing his reaction to the news about Snowden.
• Mills also said his daughter, Lindsay, who has been dating Snowden for four or five years, is holding on amid the national controversy. Jonathan Mills says he has texted his daughter, but that he did not know where she was.
• Mills also said he last saw his daughter two months ago, when she came to visit for a week.
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