The 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics mascot Soohorang, Paralympics mascot Bandabi, and the Olympic Rings are displayed at the Gyeongpodae beach in Gangneung, South Korea, October 31, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji/Files

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WASHINGTON: White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Thursday the United States looks forward to participating in the Olympic Winter Games in South Korea in February after questions arose about security in the neighbour to North Korea, which has recently ramped up weapons testing.

?The US looks forward to participating in the Winter Olympics in South Korea,? Sanders wrote in a tweet.

?The protection of Americans is our top priority and we are engaged with the South Koreans and other partner nations to secure the venues.?

United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley had cast doubt over whether athletes representing the country would participate in the Olympics, telling Fox News on Wednesday that the US is concerned about its citizens,

When asked Thursday at the regular White House press briefing, Sanders said ?no official decision has been made? about participation and the decision would come closer to the games? start date ? February 9.

She also said the decision would be reached through a process involving multiple agencies, where US President Donald Trump would ?certainly weigh in?.