Two Koreas Take Step Toward Sharing 1988 Summer Games

North Korea has given conditional approval to a South Korean offer for co-hosting the 1988 Summer Olympics while stressing that it still wants a greater share of the events, the International Olympic Committee said today.

The two sides gave “very positive” responses to the June 11 co-hosting proposal by IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch, an IOC statement said.

North Korea is being asked for “clarifications,” after which the IOC is ready to host a further meeting between the two sides to set details of the sharing arrangement, the statement said.

Last year North Korea demanded a share in the Games, which had been awarded to the South Korean capital of Seoul.

Samaranch’s plan, presented after a third round of talks at IOC headquarters here, calls for North Korea to host archery, table tennis and part of road cycling and soccer. The North also would stage cultural events related to the Games.

In its response, North Korea “asked for more, so we want to know exactly what they want,” IOC spokeswoman Michele Verdier said.

North Korea has threatened to lead communist nations in staying away from the Games.