SKorea president wants NKorea in Olympics
Jun 24, 2017 - 10:38 AM South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Saturday he hopes to see North Korean athletes at next year's Winter Olympics in South Korea to ease tensions over the North's nuclear program.Moon made the comments during the opening ceremony of the world taekwondo championships in the South Korean town of Muju, where a North Korean delegation led by International Olympic Committee member Chang Ung was also present.
The championships, which will feature a performance by the North Korean taekwondo demonstration team, mark the first sports exchange between the Koreas since Moon took office in May.
Moon has expressed a desire to use the Pyeongchang Olympics to reach out to North Korea, with relations between the two at their lowest point in decades.
During his stay in the South, Chang is expected to meet South Korean officials to discuss cooperation at the Winter Olympics.
"If North Korean athletes participate in the Pyeongchang Olympics, I think it would greatly contribute in realising Olympic values, which are about bringing humanity together and promoting world peace," said Moon.
He recalled key moments in sports diplomacy between the Koreas, including when they sent unified teams to the world table tennis and youth soccer championships in 1991, and their athletes marching together during the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Participation in Pyeongchang could "provide a turning point for the reconciliation between the South and North," Moon said.
"I sincerely ask the IOC and (IOC member) Chang who are here with us today for their strong consideration and cooperation."
Source: AAP
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- IOC president Bach defends Russia decision Dec 31
- 'Cowardly' Russia call keeps doping alive Dec 27
- Pullin in form as Winter Games edge closer Dec 22
- IOC bans 11 more Russians for doping Dec 22
- Graham adds China moguls bronze to silver Dec 22
- Tokyo Olympics down $420m, more cuts eyed Dec 22
- Injured Brockhoff won't rule out Olympics Dec 21
- Aussie Matt Graham second in moguls event Dec 21
- Russian link rules out Swedish Games coach Dec 20
- AOC restructured after bullying claims Dec 17
- Aussie winter athletes win two events Dec 16
- FBI controls doping whistleblower: Putin Dec 14