South Korea mulling over gift options for North Korean Olympic delegation

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- With more than 700 North Koreans expected to attend the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics next month, the South Korean government is seeking ways to accommodate the delegation without violating international sanctions.

A government official said Wednesday that various ministries are discussing whether the North Korean visitors will be allowed to receive gifts or sporting equipment for the Olympics.

They are currently "reviewing the United Nations sanctions committee's legal interpretations [of the sactions] one by one," according to the official.

Under UN Security Council Resolution 1874, all South Korean citizens are banned from giving North Koreans 13 categories of items. These include alcoholic beverages, jewelry, grooming products such as perfume and make-up, leather bags and electronics. Instruments and art pieces are also prohibited.

North Koreans are also subject to bans on acquiring products imposed by individual nations.

The U.S. bans 21 luxury goods including cigarettes and beauty products.

According to the Voice of America, the most stringent set of sanctions on luxury goods are enforced by the European Union which bans 200 items.

If South Korea abides by the EU's standards, North Korean athletes cannot receive skis, skates, and other sports equipment as well as uniforms, gloves, bags or even a t-shirt.

Last April, North Korean athletes who competed in the International Ice Hockey Federation's competition in Gangneung, South Korea, had to return the handmade keyrings they received as souvenirs.

Pyeongchang Olympics mascot toys delivered to the North were also returned to the South, according to Munhwa Ilbo.