20:15, 19-Jan-2018
Pyeongchang Winter Olympics: Signs of tensions easing
[]
Share
Copied
Meanwhile, after nearly two weeks of dialogue about the DPRK's involvement in the upcoming games in South Korea, officials from both countries are now in the Swiss city of Lausanne for special talks with the International Olympic Committee. Let's take a look at how their negotiations have progressed since early last week.
First of all, after much uncertainty, the DPRK confirmed its participation in the Games on January 9th. During working-level talks on Monday the 15th, it announced it would send its Samjiyon Orchestra to perform.
Two days later, the countries agreed to march behind a "unified Korean" flag at the opening ceremony and to form a united women's ice-hockey team.
They also decided to hold cultural events before the opening ceremony and conduct joint ski training sessions in the DPRK.
On Friday, Pyongyang offered to send an "advance team" to South Korea to prepare for all its art performances.
If everything goes as planned, the DPRK will send a cheering squad, a taekwondo demonstration team and the Samjiyon Orchestra .
Meanwhile, a 150-member delegation from the DPRK could also participate in the Paralympics in March.