BEIJING -- International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge confirmed on Thursday that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and South Korea have failed to reach an agreement on a joint march at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Games.

DPR Korea and South Korea marched together in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, and the IOC has been waiting for them to agree on a joint parade again at the National Stadium, where the opening ceremony will take place Friday night.

"We have tried to have this in Beijing but unfortunately this was not possible," Rogge told a press conference.

"I regret this very much," he added.