Olympic ban on Iraqi athletes lifted
Published: Wednesday, July 30, 2008
10:33GMT—6:33AM/EST
OLYMPICS – IRAQ – BAN
Washington, 30 July (IranVNC)—The International Olympic Committee [IOC] today reversed its decision to ban the Iraqi Olympic team from participating in the Beijing Games.
Last week, the IOC banned Iraq’s athletes from participating in the games because their government dissolved its National Olympic Committee and appointed its own officials in its place after the committee leader was kidnapped in 2006.
The lift on the ban is contingent upon the Iraqi government taking the steps to reestablish a committee the IOC recognizes as “legitimately elected,” reports AFP.
The president of the IOC, Jacques Rogge, lauded the last minute deal and said: “We look forward to seeing the Iraqi flag in Beijing.”
He added: “I commend the government of Iraq for reaching an agreement that serves the long-term interest of Iraqi athletes.”
The 2008 Olympics will take place August 8-24 in China, where, under the agreement, the Iraqi two athletes will be allowed to compete.
Sources: Reuters, Agence France-Presse
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