Samaranch: Olympics should not be linked to politics

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-19-2008 09:38

Former I.O.C. President Juan Antonio Samaranch has expressed disappointment that the Beijing Olympic torch relay was disrupted in some countries. He says the Olympics should not be linked to politics.

Former I.O.C. President Juan Antonio Samaranch has expressed disappointment that the Beijing Olympic  torch relay was disrupted in some countries.

--- Olympics should not be linked to politics

Samaranch says politics is one matter, while sports is another. He says political issues should be addressed in a proper scenario, for instance, a political arena like the UN.

--- Disruption in Paris and London is unbearable

Commenting on what happened in Paris and London, Samaranch says it's unbearable and unacceptable. He says the matter was not accidental, but planned in advance to target China. He hopes the worst has passed.

--- Absence from the opening ceremony of politicians is meaningless

Samaranch also says the word "boycott" does not exist in the Olympic dictionary, and it can't solve any problems. He says countries calling for a boycott are only punishing their own athletes. As for some politicians' absence from the opening ceremony, he says the act is meaningless and has little influence, since tens of thousands of athletes will be there, and that's what matters.

File photo: Former IOC president Samaranch and the 2008 Olympic Torch

Editor:Liu Fang