Olympics chief accepts torch relay is in "crisis"

Torch relay in "crisis", Olympic chief admits

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Thursday, 10, Apr 2008 07:48

The head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has admitted that pro-Tibetan protests during the international torch relay have reached "crisis" point.

But Jacques Rogge insisted the Beijing Olympics would rebound from a week of demonstrations in London, Paris and San Francisco.

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Speaking in the Chinese capital Mr Rogge claimed the Games were "not the place to take political or religious stances" with many of the 205 countries or territories represented in the Olympics at war with each other.

"If athletes genuinely want to express their opinion, that's fine," he said.

"But let's not forget, there is also the right not to express an opinion. Athletes should feel no moral obligation to speak out. They deserve the right to focus on their preparations and should not be made to feel obliged to express themselves if they do not wish to."

Dozens of activists were arrested in the UK and French capitals earlier this week, while the American-leg of the torch relay was halved and continually changed to confuse protestors.

The closing ceremony was also moved to a motorway flyover and San Franciscan landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge completely overlooked, leaving thousands of onlookers and members of the city's Chinese community disappointed.

China has seen the international legs of the Olympic flame torch relay dominated by protests against its rule in Tibet.

Beijing blames Tibetan separatists for the demonstrations and continues to blame the Dalai Lama's clique for organising them.

But the exiled Tibetan leader, who has led peaceful calls for greater autonomy for his homeland, repeated his backing for the Beijing Olympics, describing China as the "most populous nation, ancient nation".

On Thursday China also unveiled details of an alleged plot to kidnap athletes, foreign journalists and tourists during the Games.

Thirty-five people were arrested in western Xinjiang province in connection with the plot, the ministry of public security said.