IOC proposes joint inter-Korean march
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
SEOUL, July 1 (AFP): International Olympic Committee (IOC) head Jacques Rogge has proposed a joint march by the two Koreas at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics next month, officials said today.
The proposal was made in a letter Rogge sent last month to South and North Korean officials, a (South) Korea Olympic Committee spokesman told AFP.
"Our committee has yet to respond to Rogge's letter but we are positive about the joint march," he said. "Our side will try to contact North Korea on this issue."
The two Koreas, still technically at war since their 1950-53 conflict, marched together at the Olympic opening ceremonies in 2000 and 2004.
They agreed in principle during their second-ever summit last year to field joint athletic and supporter squads for the Beijing Games. But talks have collapsed.
"Time is running short. It is almost impossible to field joint athletic and cheering squads," the spokesman said.
The proposal was made in a letter Rogge sent last month to South and North Korean officials, a (South) Korea Olympic Committee spokesman told AFP.
"Our committee has yet to respond to Rogge's letter but we are positive about the joint march," he said. "Our side will try to contact North Korea on this issue."
The two Koreas, still technically at war since their 1950-53 conflict, marched together at the Olympic opening ceremonies in 2000 and 2004.
They agreed in principle during their second-ever summit last year to field joint athletic and supporter squads for the Beijing Games. But talks have collapsed.
"Time is running short. It is almost impossible to field joint athletic and cheering squads," the spokesman said.