IOC welcomes DPRK participation in Winter Olympics

World
Europe

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has welcomed the possibility of the DPRK competing at next month's PyeongChang Winter Games in South Korea, saying on Tuesday that the invitation remains open.

DPRK leader Kim Jong Un said on Monday that he was willing to send a delegation to the Olympics.

A spokesman said the IOC "welcomes the mutual intention" of the two governments to start direct talks about DPRK athletes participating in the Games which run from February 9 to 25.

An ice sculpture of the Olympic rings is seen during the PyeongChang Winter Festival. /Reuters Photo

The DPRK has not immediately responded, however if talks go ahead, South Korea is expected to first focus on Olympic cooperation, before touching on ways to restore strained ties.

The PyeongChang Games will take place just 80 km from the world's most heavily-armed border, the demilitarized zone which separates the two Koreas.

Qualifying for most events has already finished. If the DPRK intends to participate in the Games, they need to get in the draw by wildcards.

(Top image from AP)

1085km