Suga, Japanese Prime Minister, "North Korea's Tokyo Olympics Non-Participation Is a Unilateral Announcement"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga stated on the 6th that North Korea's decision to not participate in the Tokyo Olympics was a "unilateral announcement."

According to Kyodo News, Prime Minister Suga made this remark on the BS Nippon Television program broadcast that night.

He added, "The International Olympic Committee (IOC), the organizing committee, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will work together to sort out the situation."

Among the 206 countries and regions affiliated with the IOC, North Korea is the first to declare non-participation in the Tokyo Olympics.

The Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic organizing committee is concerned that North Korea's decision to withdraw due to COVID-19 might lead other countries to follow suit.

It is known that the organizing committee was not informed of North Korea's decision before it was made public on the "Chosun Sports" website operated by North Korea's Ministry of Sports.

A person responsible for coordinating with National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of various countries and regions within the organizing committee expressed disbelief at North Korea's announcement, saying, "We have heard nothing at all."

Prime Minister Suga also hinted on the BS Nippon Television program that there is a possibility North Korea might withdraw its decision to not participate.

When asked about the possibility of North Korea changing its stance, he said that such incidents have occurred several times before.

Meanwhile, regarding his term as president of the Liberal Democratic Party ending in late September this year, Prime Minister Suga said, "It is naturally possible to dissolve the Diet before the presidential election."

He also warned the opposition parties considering submitting a no-confidence motion against the cabinet, saying that such a motion would provide grounds for dissolving the Diet.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.