LAUSANNE, Dec 22: North and South Korea have taken a step closer toward agreeing a joint team for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The International Olympic Committee said the two rivals still need to work out the technical details of combining their squads.The IOC said a meeting between representatives of the two countries earlier this month in Doha, Qatar, produced ''productive discussions,'' but the qualification process for athletes remain an unsolved issue.

South Korea insists athletes be selected based on performance. North Korea wants equal representation based on the spirit of a 2000 inter-Korean summit.

Written endorsement of the joint team from both governments will also be required, the IOC said. Once those conditions have been fulfilled, the IOC will put the proposal to international sporting bodies for approval.

Athletes from South and North Korea marched together at the opening ceremonies of the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, and at the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea, but competed separately.—AP