IOC president: Public do not want boycott

BEIJING - International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge said on Friday that it would take gloss off this summer's Olympic Games if some political leaders don't attend the opening ceremony.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge answers a question at a news conference after the IOC Executive Board meeting in Beijing April 11, 2008. [Agencies]

Rogge, speaking at the end of an IOC executive board meeting in Beijing, said: "We would obviously prefer politicians not to boycott but there will be no boycott by anyone in the Olympic movement and public opinion around the world does not support a boycott.

"The 205 national Olympic committees have decided there will be absolutely no boycott. There are some politicians who speak about a boycott, not of the Games but the opening ceremony, and I repeat, wait and see.

"I think many athletes will regret the absence of their political leaders at the opening ceremonies but even that would not harm the quality and success of the Games."

The IOC chief also expressed his confidence in the successful organization of the Beijing Games.

"I can say that the state of preparations of BOCOG was excellent and we are looking forward to an excellent organization of the Olympic Games," he said.
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