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IOC: Boycott will hurt athletes
11/04/2008 17:01 - (SA)
Beijing - International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge said on Friday that any boycott of the Beijing
Games by politicians would only hurt athletes.
A stayaway by world leaders would in no way tarnish the
Games, he insisted, before confirming that there was no question of any athletes boycotting the August 8-24 extravaganza.
"We would prefer of course if politicians did not talk of
boycotts, but it is something for them to decide," Rogge told
reporters in the Chinese capital.
"Public opinion around the world does not want any boycotts.
The Olympic Games is about the athletes themselves and the
athletes are innocent.
"The 205 National Olympic Committees have decided this week
that there will be no boycotts of sporting events. There is
unity in that."
The European Parliament on Thursday urged European Union
leaders to boycott the opening ceremony at the Games unless
China starts talks with the Dalai Lama over the situation in
Tibet.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy, whose country will hold
the EU presidency at the time of the Games in August, has said
his decision on whether to attend the ceremony will depend on
whether China has resumed dialogue with the Dalai Lama.
Demonstrations against China's suppression of Tibetan
protests have disrupted the progress of the Olympic flame in
Europe and the United States, prompting a nationalist backlash
from the Communist giant's authorities and media.
Rogge, though, insisted any political boycotts would in no
way tarnish the Games.
"A boycott would hurt the athletes, but not the Games. I am
sure many athletes would regret the absence of their political
leaders when they parade, but what I would say, is
'wait and see'.
"It is clear that nobody is attacking the Games. It is the
importance of the Games that attracts the events we have seen.
"I have no crystal ball, but I am optimistic the Games will
be a great success."
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