N. Korea to send cheering squad to Asian Games

SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea says it will send a cheering squad to the coming Asian Games in South Korea that its athletes plan to attend.

A North Korean government statement released Monday says the dispatch of its cheering squad to the games, set for September 19 to Oct. 4, is aimed at promoting reconciliation between the rivals.

The statement repeated North Korea’s demand the two Koreas end hostility against each other and mutual slandering.

It also calls for scrapping of South Korean military drills with foreign forces in an apparent reference to its regular training with the U.S. which the North calls an invasion rehearsal.

Outside analysts say North Korea seeks to improve ties with South Korea and other countries to help attract foreign investment and aid to revive its economy.