Easy. They want to look like they're making concessions, and they expect compensation for it. Think about it.
A year ago, North Korea announces that they've been running a secret nuclear weapons program, and then kicked out the international inspectors stationed at Yongbyon.
Now, North Korea announces that they are willing to allow a quick visit to Yongbyon.
How does that equate progress again? It doesn't. This is an empty gesture. North Korea needs food and time. They're hoping to buy themselves both with this concession, and it will probably work.
Ahh...just in time for the 04 elections.
Crank up ole Jimmy and send him back to pull our chesnuts 'outta de fire'.