(BEIJING, April 11) -- International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge faced reporters at a press conference on Friday in Beijing to answer concerns about a possible boycott of the Games' opening ceremony by various leaders around the world.
According to Xinhua, Rogge emphasized that a boycott of the Olympics would only hurt athletes, who use the international competitions as platforms to show their athleticism while facing the best in the world. The general consensus from international voices is not to boycott the Olympics; however, even if some world leaders were to not attend the opening ceremony, this would not diminish the successful work that Beijing has completed to host the Games, he continued.
The IOC president expressed that the decision on whether or not to be present at the Games is an individual one, and has nothing to do with the organization.
Another controversial issue raised during the press conference involved the freedom of athletes to express their political opinions during their stay in Beijing while participating in the Games. To this question, Rogge replied that athletes certainly had the right to articulate their views; however, they must follow the laws set out in the host country. This logic is the same no matter who hosts the Olympic Games.
In reference to the few disruptive incidents that have occurred during the global torch relay, Rogge stated that he believed that protestors don't want to attack the Games themselves, but instead seek to use the extensive media attention placed on the Games to launch efforts to accomplish their own goals.
