球星罗德曼抵朝鲜说不会讨论政治问题

Retired U.S. basketball star Dennis Rodman is in North Korea for his third visit in recent months, but says he will not raise political issues with the country's leader, Kim Jong Un.

Rodman's visit comes at another tense moment in Pyongyang, just days after the shocking execution of Kim's uncle, mentor and second in command, who was accused of trying to overthrow the state.

Speaking to Reuters at a Beijing hotel before departing for the North, Rodman said the execution of Jang Song Thaek had nothing to do with his visit, which he said was purely for "fun."

The five-time National Basketball Association champion is expected to help train North Korea's national basketball team during his trip, which is sponsored by the Irish bookmaker Paddy Power.

During past visits, the eccentric Rodman has held extended personal meetings with Mr. Kim, who he has called a "friend for life" and a "good guy." He is thought to be the highest-profile American to have met the North Korean leader.已退役的美国篮球明星罗德曼抵达朝鲜，这是他几个月来第三次访问朝鲜。罗德曼表示他不会跟朝鲜领导人金正恩提出政治问题。

罗德曼是在平壤又一次局势紧张之际抵达的。几天前，平壤令人惊讶地处决了金正恩的姑父和导师，朝鲜第二号领导人张成泽。张成泽被指控企图推翻现政权。

罗德曼星期四在离开北京的旅馆前对路透社记者说，张成泽被处决跟他的访问没有关系。他说，他的访问完全是为了好玩。

罗德曼是五次获得美国职业篮球总冠军球队的成员。预计他此行将帮助训练朝鲜国家篮球队。他的访问得到爱尔兰博彩公司帕迪鲍尔的赞助。

罗德曼上次访问朝鲜时跟金正恩进行了多次个人接触。罗德曼称金正恩是他的“终生朋友”和“好人”。据信罗德曼是会见过金正恩的美国人中知名度最高的。