(ATR) Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson tells Around the Rings he is optimistic for peace during the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics despite heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula.
"I think there’s a possibility that sport can be a path towards easing tensions and diplomacy," Richardson says on the latest edition of ATRadio. "I’m not saying it will reduce the tension but it could be a bridge.
"And this is why I’m excited about these Olympics happening in South Korea. South Korea and North Korea may be working together to enhance the Korean medal count and Korean prestige in international sport."
An expert on North Korea who has visited the country eight times as a U.S. diplomat during his time in the House of Representatives, Richardson says he has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to speak more with South Korean President Jae In Moon about creating a dialogue with North Korean Premier Kim Jong Un.
He adds that North Korea has a love for sport so he would be surprised if the country were to boycott the PyeongChang 2018 Games.
Listen below for the full conversation with Richardson and ATR Editor Ed Hula.
Written by Kevin Nutley
Homepage photo: South Korea speed skater Se-jong Oh (Getty Images)
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