The German Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, explained today, Thursday, in the Swiss city of Lausanne, the reason for imposing sanctions only against Russia.
Bach said during a press conference: “The Russian military operation began in Ukraine between the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games (for people with special needs) and this was a violation of the Olympic Truce. Therefore, we had to take action in solidarity.” with Ukraine, because we have previously taken such measures in solidarity with both Yemen and Ethiopia, Syria and many other countries.
The German also pointed out that the issue of the Olympic Truce does not concern the International Olympic Committee, but the UN General Assembly, so the French government should initiate this procedure.
Bach said that “the decision on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes will not be made at least a year before the start of the 2024 Olympic Games, when there will be a clear picture of what is happening.”
He also noted that the IOC is very pleased with ASOIF’s confirmation of its willingness to help international sports federations work together on this issue.
The meeting of the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee was held in Lausanne, Switzerland on 28 and 30 March 2023.
On March 28, the International Olympic Committee recommended that international federations allow Russians who do not support Russia’s military operation in Ukraine to participate as neutral athletes. At the same time, the organization proposes not to allow athletes associated with the armed forces and security services to compete.
Provided that independent committees from international sports federations decide the issue of belonging of athletes to military structures.
Source: russian.rt.com