Beijing (AP) – In the midst of the debates about a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Games, IOC boss Thomas Bach has again emphasized the political neutrality of the Olympics.
“We can only fulfill our mission if the Olympic Games are above all political differences,” said the President of the International Olympic Committee at the beginning of the 139th IOC session. The games should not become a tool to achieve political goals, the 68-year-old reiterated.
Because of China’s human rights violations, there has been sharp criticism of the hosting of the Olympics in Beijing, which hosted the 2008 Summer Games. The USA, Australia, Canada, Great Britain and other countries have announced a diplomatic boycott. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) will also stay away from the Winter Games.
Nevertheless, Bach assured that there was broad international support for the Beijing Olympics. The IOC boss pointed out that the ghosts of a sporting boycott had “shown their ugly faces” again. However, through many discussions at international level, this danger has been averted, so that all athletes have the opportunity to realize their Olympic dreams.
With the games in China, “a new chapter in sports history” will be written, said Bach. “Today we can say China is a winter sports country,” added the IOC chief.