Tokyo Fire Department rescue workers arrive at Kudan Kaikan in Tokyo as...

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) - The International Skating Union says the figure skating world championships in Tokyo will go ahead as scheduled on March 21 after the venue escaped damaged in the earthquake Friday.

ISU president Ottavio Cinquanta said the union would continue to monitor potential logistical problems presented by airport closures and any other problems in Tokyo but had been told they could be overcome.

"The ISU received an e-mail message from the head office of the Japan Skating Federation (JSF) informing that one of their representatives had visited Yoyogi stadium and considered it suitable to host the World Figure Skating Championships 2010/11," Cinquanta said in a statement. "The said communication from the (JSF) informs that the situation in Tokyo is settled and seems to be in-line for conducting the championships."

The arena was built 50 years ago in the Shibuya district as a venue for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Cinquanta said a futher statement would be issued in coming days.
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