SEOUL (Reuters) - Seoul welcomed confirmation by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that 22 North Korean athletes would compete in next month's Winter Olympics, saying on Sunday it would aid peace and the easing of tensions on the Korean peninsula. "North Korea's participation in the Olympics will be a catalyst for building peace and easing tensions on the Korean peninsula," said South Korea's presidential Blue House in a statement released on Sunday. "President Moon has previously stressed that the Pyeongchang Olympics should be an important turning point in solving North Korea's missile issues," the Blue House statement said. The seven-member North Korean delegation, led by musician Hyon Song-wol, will check venues for performances by a 140-strong art troupe at the Olympics. Sunday's North Korean delegation had been scheduled to visit on Saturday but cancelled just before the visit with no explanation.

Source: The Star January 21, 2018 01:57 UTC