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No tension between China, Olympic committee: IOC
The International Olympic Committee on Thursday said there was no rift with the Chinese government after IOC chief Jacques Rogge was bluntly told not to meddle in politics.
The International Olympic Committee on Thursday said there was no rift with the Chinese government after IOC chief Jacques Rogge was bluntly told not to meddle in politics.
Asked whether tension had surfaced between Rogge and the Chinese authorities, IOC spokeswoman Giselle Davies said: "No, not at all."
She said relations between the IOC chief and Beijing remained "very good," and that sports and politics should remain separate.
"In fact, I think you have heard this reiterated in direct quotes from both sides -- everyone is of the same opinion that sport and politics should be kept as separate as possible," she said.
The IOC chief had said earlier that the Games were in crisis after days of protests against the Beijing torch relay and China should live up to an engagement to improve human rights.
China's foreign ministry immediately shot back, saying Rogge needed to steer clear of "irrelevant political factors."
Davies denied the response signalled trouble between the IOC and the Chinese government with less than four months to go until the Games opening ceremony.
