IOC chief apparently seeks to visit N.K. over PyeongChang Olympics: sources
SEOUL, Dec. 8 (Yonhap) -- International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach is apparently seeking to visit North Korea to discuss its participation in the upcoming PyeongChang Winter Games, South Korean government sources said Friday.
But it remains to be seen whether the North will accept his visit at a time when tensions have heightened over its nuclear and missile tests, they added.
"The IOC is believed to be in talks with North Korea over President Bach's possible trip to Pyongyang for consultations over the North's participation in the PyeongChang Olympics," a source said.
The IOC has said that it has invited North Korea to participate in the winter games which will be held on Feb. 9-25 in South Korea and that it will offer support if necessary.
"If Bach's trip is realized, it can be a positive sign for North Korea's participation in the games," another source said. There is also the possibility that a lower-ranking IOC official may visit the North instead of Bach, the official added.
North Korea's pairs figure skating tandem Ryom Tae-ok and Kim Ju-sik in September qualified for the winter games.
The North missed an Oct. 30 deadline to confirm whether it would send its figure skating pairs team, but the doors are still open for North Korea, as the IOC may grant select North Korean athletes wild card entries.
South Korea is also actively pushing for the North's participation as it believes that the move will help ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
(END)
-
BTS' J-Hope closes Chicago's Lollapalooza festival
-
Pelosi to meet Nat'l Assembly speaker amid heightened regional tensions over Taiwan visit
-
Ruling party moves toward leadership switch
-
BTS could be allowed to perform overseas during military service: defense minister
-
(LEAD) N. Korea slams Pelosi's Taiwan visit, backs China's position
-
BTS' J-Hope closes Chicago's Lollapalooza festival
-
(2nd LD) Kim, Pelosi agree to support efforts for denuclearization of N. Korea
-
(LEAD) Assembly speaker meets with Pelosi amid heightened Sino-U.S. tensions
-
Ruling party moves toward leadership switch
-
BTS could be allowed to perform overseas during military service: defense minister
-
Court recognizes death after drinking with boss as workplace accident
-
150 front-line Army commandoes to conduct joint training at U.S. Army's National Training Center
-
Whereabouts of 55 Thai tourists on Jeju unknown
-
Education minister expected to resign amid criticism of proposal to lower school entry age
-
Deputy national security adviser resigns due to health reasons