LIMA: International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach downplayed security fears surrounding the 2018 Winter Olympics on Monday following the recent escalation of tensions on the Korean peninsula. Pyeongchang is 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the border with North Korea, which has stoked anxiety with a recent nuclear test and a string of missile launches. The IOC was also offering support to ensure the participation of athletes from North Korea, Bach added. “We will have a perfect security and safety Olympic Games.”Lee, like Bach, also anticipated that North Korean athletes will venture across the border to participate. “So far we believe North Korean athletes will be there in Pyeongchang,” he said.

Source: New Strait Times September 12, 2017 02:15 UTC