IOC president in 'silent diplomacy' with China

IOC president Jacques Rogge says he is engaged in "silent diplomacy" with China on Tibet and other human rights issues in advance of the Beijing Olympics.

Rogge spoke in an interview on Monday in Ancient Olympia, where he was attending the flame-lighting ceremony for the Beijing Games.

Rogge says he is concerned by the violence in Tibet, where China has cracked down on protesters. But he says the IOC is a sports organization and can do no more than join world leaders in calling for a peaceful resolution of the situation.

However, Rogge says he has been involved in "silent diplomacy" with Chinese officials throughout games' preparations and will meet with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao next month to discuss various issues.

Rogge also says there is no credible momentum for any Olympic boycott. And he calls for protesters to refrain from violence during the torch relay.

Email this article to your friend -