The international community is divided over the participation of the Russians who invaded Ukraine and the Belarusian athletes who are helping them participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
According to the Associated Press, on the 3rd (local time), the International Olympic Committee (IOC) released clarification and refutation data as criticism and opposition to Russian and Belarusian athletes’ participation in the Paris Olympics spread.
Previously, on the 26th, the IOC reaffirmed the previously imposed disciplinary action, saying, “No international competitions can be held in Russia and Belarus, and players from both countries cannot use any symbols representing their countries, such as national flags or national anthems.” They have the right to be treated without discrimination, and they should not be prevented from participating in the competition because of their nationality.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky invited IOC President Thomas Bach to Eastern Bahmut, a battleground in the front line, and strongly protested (Related article: President Zelensky “Russia cannot participate in the Paris Olympics” appeal from all directions).
However, the IOC denied that there are currently no plans for Bach to visit Ukraine. He also actively refuted the claim that Russia and Belarus should be banned from participating, citing that South Africa was expelled from the IOC due to its past apartheid policy and was unable to participate in the 1964-1988 Olympics.
Citing a UN human rights expert, the IOC said, “At the time, South Africa was under sanctions from the UN.
“The United Nations is not sanctioning Russia and Belarus,” he said, claiming that there is no reason to prevent them from participating in the Olympics. However, the IOC’s argument lacks logic because Russia and Belarus did not receive sanctions due to opposition from Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
The international community is also giving mixed voices. “If international sports organizations and host countries, including the IOC, allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate, they must make it clear that they do not represent their own countries,” White House spokeswoman Karin Jean-Pierre said at a briefing.
This means that Russia and Belarus will not oppose athletes participating in the Paris Olympics as neutral countries.
However, Spokesperson Jean-Pierre, as if conscious of public opposition, said, “The position that the use of the Russian and Belarusian flags and national anthems should be banned at the Olympics remains unchanged.” We are trying to hold people accountable for this barbaric war.”
On the other hand, European countries such as Poland, Latvia, Britain, Norway and Estonia are strongly protesting. In particular, Poland and Latvia, along with Ukraine, put pressure on the IOC, threatening to boycott the Olympics.
“We can give an ‘ultimatum’ if the IOC’s policy doesn’t change,” Polish Sports Minister Kamil Bortiničiuk said. In addition, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)’s attempt to invite Russian and Belarusian athletes to the Hangzhou Asian Games was absurd, saying it was an “unimaginable scenario.”
“As long as the war continues in Ukraine, it is unacceptable for Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the Olympics in any capacity,” said Latvian Olympic President Georges Tikmus in a statement.
At the same time, “Russia and Belarus must be prevented from gaining ‘soft power’ through sports.” 메이저사이트
Ukrainian “advocates of war, slaughter and destruction” slammed… IOC “slander”
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Olympic Committee (NOCU) will hold an emergency meeting today to discuss whether to boycott the Paris Olympics.
“The IOC is an advocate of war, slaughter and destruction,” said Mikhailo Podolyak, adviser to Ukraine’s presidential office, on Twitter.
He also added, “Russia’s money line bought the hypocrisy of the Olympics, so it doesn’t seem to smell like Ukrainian blood.”
In response, the IOC refuted, saying, “In the strongest terms, we reject slanderous remarks (by Adviser Podoliak),” and that “such comments do not constitute the basis for productive discussion.”