IOC President talks human rights to Beijing

The president of the Olympic committee, Jacques Rogge, called on the authorities in Beijing to respect their "moral engagement" to improve human rights in the months leading up to the games and to provide the news media with greater access to the country. He also described the protests that have dogged the international Olympics torch relay as a "crisis" for the organization.

Though Rogge predicted the Games would still be a success, his comments were a sharp departure from previous statements in which he avoided any mention of politics. Beijing quickly rejected his remarks and said they amounted to meddling in its internal affairs.

Evidently, with the torch relay so disrupted, and the recent suggestion of the EU parliament that either Beijing should initiate talks with the Dalai Lama or face a boycott of European dignitaries from the opening ceremonies, Rogge felt he could no longer remain silent.

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IHT