IOC says plans for Russian Olympic participation in line with UN push for peace
The International Olympic Committee insists its exploration of a pathway to allow Russian athletes to compete as neutrals at next year’s Olympic Games is in line with the United Nations’ pursuit of peace in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian flag was raised at the IOC’s Olympic House headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland on Friday to mark the one-year anniversary of Russia launching its invasion of its neighbouring country, at a time when the governing body is facing criticism over its efforts to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes a chance to feature in Paris.
An IOC statement issued on Friday referred to a United Nations resolution calling on member states and international organisations to “redouble diplomatic efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace” in Ukraine.
The International Olympic Committee welcomes the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly #UNGA 11th Emergency Session. The IOC stands ready not only to continue but to redouble its support for diplomatic efforts for a lasting peace. https://t.co/dKDnaHn1BO pic.twitter.com/vEOn2vUfXG
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) February 24, 2023
IOC president Thomas Bach has previously referenced a UN resolution from December when explaining why his organisation, national Olympic committees and international sports federations are now giving consideration to allowing Russian athletes to compete in qualification events ahead of next year’s Games.
That resolution, also cited in Friday’s statement, said “major international sports events should be organised in the spirit of peace, mutual understanding and international co-operation, friendship and tolerance, and without discrimination of any kind”, and that the unifying and conciliative nature of such events should