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Seoul to continue preparations for inter-Korean ski training

By Jennie Oh
South and North Korea agreed to conduct joint training for skiers at Masikryong Ski Resort on the North's east coast. Photo courtesy of EPA-EFE/Jeon Heon-kyun.
South and North Korea agreed to conduct joint training for skiers at Masikryong Ski Resort on the North's east coast. Photo courtesy of EPA-EFE/Jeon Heon-kyun.

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Seoul will continue to prepare for a joint training session of South and North Korean skiers, despite the North abruptly calling off an inter-Korean cultural event.

This gave rise to uncertainty that the North may also scrap the ski training session slated to begin as early as Wednesday.

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However, the Unification Ministry said Tuesday that there hadn't been mention of the training session when the North notified the South of cancelling the cultural event.

As there have not been further notifications or particular issues raised regarding the joint training, Seoul expects that the two-day session will go ahead as planned at the North's Masikryong Ski Resort.

The official said, however, that the itinerary for the travel may not be confirmed Tuesday night as the two Koreas are still coordinating the final details.

The ministry is also said to be finalizing negotiations on transporting North Korean Olympic athletes to the South on a chartered flight, News 1 reported.

It is also consulting the United States to ensure the inter-Korean exchanges do not violate any international sanctions on the North.

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Earlier in the day, Seoul sent a message to Pyongyang, expressing regret over the unilateral cancellation of the cultural event which was set to be held on Sunday at the North's Mt. Kumkang area.

The message stressed that "agreements made between the two Koreas must be carried out on the grounds of mutual respect and understanding" and that "for the success of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics for both the South and the North, all events agreed upon must be held according to plan."

While the North had cancelled the event, blaming South Korean media's criticism toward its upcoming military parade, a Unification Ministry official suggested the North may have felt burdened by holding a large-scale event which was expected to see an audience of more than 300 people, Chosun Ilbo reported.

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