Buoyed by the role the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics played in easing tensions last year, South Korean and North Korean officials are due to meet on Friday with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Switzerland to discuss what would be the first ever bid by two countries. To make Olympic history, experts say the long-shot bid would need to overcome international sanctions against North Korea, decades of mistrust between Seoul and Pyongyang, and wide political and economic differences between two countries still officially at war. The Switzerland meeting comes ahead of a second summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump in Vietnam, which will be key to the future of reclusive North Korea’s relations with the world. Since the Olympic bid was announced after a summit between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in in Pyongyang in September, South Korean officials have been pushing forward with plans despite the obstacles. On Monday … [Read more...] about Diplomatic gold? Joint North Korea-South Korea Olympic bid faces long odds
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Kim Jong Un warns North Korea could consider change of tack
North Korea could consider a change of approach if the US maintains its sanctions on the nuclear-armed country, leader Kim Jong Un warned in his New Year speech on Tuesday (Jan 1) after 12 months of diplomatic rapprochement. North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un has said he is ready to meet with US President Donald Trump again at any time AFP/SAUL LOEB "If the US does not keep its promise made in front of the whole world ... and insists on sanctions and pressures on our republic," Kim said, "we may be left with no choice but to consider a new way to safeguard our sovereignty and interests". Kim was referring to his summit with US President Donald Trump in Singapore in June, when he said he had "fruitful talks" and "exchanged constructive ideas". At the time the two leaders signed a vaguely-worded pledge on denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, but progress has since stalled with Pyongyang and Washington arguing over what that means. The North is subject to multiple sets of … [Read more...] about Kim Jong Un warns North Korea could consider change of tack
Kim warns N. Korea could consider change of tack
Leader Kim Jong Un made the warning in his New Year speech Tuesday after 12 months of diplomatic rapprochement. "If the US does not keep its promise made in front of the whole world and insists on sanctions and pressures on our republic," Kim said, "we may be left with no choice but to consider a new way to safeguard our sovereignty and interests." Kim was referring to his summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Singapore in June, when he said he had "fruitful talks" and "exchanged constructive ideas." At the time the two leaders signed a vaguely-worded pledge on denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, but progress has since stalled with Pyongyang and Washington arguing over what that means. The North is subject to multiple sets of United Nations Security Council sanctions over banned nuclear and ballistic missile weapons programmes, which have seen it carry out six atomic tests and launch rockets capable of reaching the entire US mainland. "I am ready to sit with the US President … [Read more...] about Kim warns N. Korea could consider change of tack
Mbappe stars, ball tampering scandal, Serena outburst: 2018 sporting highlights
It was a memorable year for sport in 2018, with the World Cup in Russia, a cricketing controversy and Serena Williams' bizarre outburst grabbing the headlines. France's forward Kylian Mbappe kisses the World Cup trophy after France beat Croatia 4-2 in the Moscow final on July 15 AFP Here, AFP Sport takes a look at 10 sporting highlights from the last 12 months: FRANCE WIN WORLD CUP France won the World Cup on Jul 15 in Moscow, beating Croatia 4-2 in the highest-scoring final for 52 years. Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann all hit the target. Mbappe was not even born when France claimed the World Cup on home soil in 1998, their only previous win. Geraint Thomas became the first Welshman to win the Tour de France AFP/Jeff PACHOUD THOMAS TAKES TOUR DE FRANCE Welshman Geraint Thomas savoured the sweetest of Tour de France victories on Jul 29, eclipsing all challengers including Sky teammate Chris Froome, the four-time former winner, in the showcase … [Read more...] about Mbappe stars, ball tampering scandal, Serena outburst: 2018 sporting highlights
North, South Korea to send letter to IOC on joint 2032 bid
North, South Korea to send letter to IOC on joint 2032 bid The Saigon Times Daily Hwang Chung Gum and Won Yunjong of Korea carry the unification flag during the opening ceremony at Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium in Pyeongchang, South Korea February 9, 2018 - - PHOTO: REUTERS SEOUL (REUTERS) - The two Koreas agreed at a meeting on Friday to send a letter to the International Olympic Committee confirming that they want to co-host the 2032 Summer Games, they said in a joint statement. Sports officials from both sides held talks to discuss ways of expanding sports exchanges. The statement also said they agreed to form a combined team to compete in the men’s Handball World Championship in Germany next year. South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to pursue the joint Olympics bid at their summit in Pyongyang in September. Athletes from North and South Korea marched under a unified peninsula flag at the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang … [Read more...] about North, South Korea to send letter to IOC on joint 2032 bid