International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge
Friday shrugged off the controversy caused by Steven Spielberg's
decision to withdraw as artistic consultant to the Beijing
Olympics, stressing that IOC is "a sporting, not a political
association."
Rogge told broadcaster France 24 that it was not for the
organization (IOC) to play a political role, adding he did not fear
a boycott of the summer Games.
"I do not fear a boycott because most statesmen well know that
boycotts only punish those doing the boycotting," Rogge told the
channel.
Rogge warned that athletes who used the event as a political
stage would be punished.
He insisted that the "one should not call on the IOC to solve
the world's problems'.
Spielberg Wednesday announced his decision to quit the upcoming
Olympics as an artistic advisor, citing concerns over the violence
in Darfur, which he linked to the Chinese government.
"His absence will not harm the quality of the Games. The Beijing
Games are much stronger than individuals," Rogge said.
China said Thursday that linking the Darfur issue to the Olympic
Games will not help and is against the Olympic Spirit that
separates sports from politics.
"We noticed recent discussions and acts on China's stance on
Darfur issue. According to my knowledge, some are out of the
concerns over the situation there, but others tried to link the
issue with China's policy on Sudan and Beijing Olympic Games,
"Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao told a regular press
conference.
"It is understandable if they do not understand the Chinese
government policy on Darfur," said Liu. "But if they are
politically motivated, we will not accept."
(Xinhua News Agency February 16, 2008)