The game is not over, but the score is open. Between the IOC and the UN, in conflict since last month over the issue of North Korea, the Olympic organization has just lost the first round.
Midweek, the United Nations Security Council sanctions committee confirmed its decision not to allow the IOC to send sports equipment to North Korea for athletes' preparation for the Olympics. A decision behind which American pressure can be seen, with the United States refusing to make any exception to the rules decided as part of North Korea's denuclearization plan.
At the end of July, the IOC urged the UN to authorize the sending of sports equipment to North Korea. The United States “opposed this transfer” and exercised its right of veto.
« The IOC noted with regret the decision of the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee not to grant an exemption on sports equipment intended for North Korean athletes, commented the IOC in a press release. This decision makes more difficult the IOC's mission to bring together athletes from around the world to promote mutual understanding and friendship regardless of the political situation or any differences"
For Thomas Bach, the president of the IOC, on the front line on the North Korean issue since last year, the UN decision “ is all the more disappointing as the exemption requested for sports equipment only concerned a limited number of athletes. »
But the German leader insists: “ The IOC will continue to work for peace and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula"
End of the episode? At first, certainly. But the IOC and its president, Thomas Bach, do not intend to let the matter drop. The Olympic organization is increasing initiatives and spending to contribute to the reconciliation effort between the two Koreas. She participated financially in sending a North Korean team to the PyeongChang Winter Games.
It also supports, explains Thomas Bach, the presence of a delegation of 300 athletes at the 2018 Asian Games, scheduled from August 18 to September 2 in Indonesia. The two Koreas will parade together at the opening ceremony. They will form joint teams in women's basketball, rowing and dragon boating.
