North Korea is reconsidering its decision not...

North Korea is reconsidering its decision not to enter the Summer Olympics, a move that also could persuade five other boycotting nations to change their minds and participate in the Seoul Games.

In a surprise letter, North Korea told South Korea that it was willing to talk about entering the Olympics at Seoul. But the North Koreans again insisted that the discussions include its demand to co-host the Games, which run from Sept. 17-Oct. 2.

The South Korean government had no comment.

To show their support for North Korea’s co-host demand, Cuba and Ethiopia also decided not to attend Games. Albania, Nicaragua and the Seychelles also declined to answer the IOC’s invitation to Seoul. If North Korea decides to come, however, the other countries will probably do the same.