U.S. has no plans to boycott Beijing Games
NEW YORK (Reuters) - American athletes will definitely compete at the Beijing Olympics despite recent violence in Tibet and calls for a boycott, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) said on Monday.
"There is absolutely no consideration being given to the idea of forgoing the Olympic Games," USOC spokesman Darryl Seibel said. "There is widespread understanding and recognition that boycotts accomplish absolutely nothing other than unfairly penalizing athletes.
"It's important to keep in mind what the Olympic movement stands for. This is an opportunity for our world to come together.
"Those opportunities are more necessary and important in our world today than ever before."
The USOC's position is in line with the European Union (EU) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
IOC president Jacques Rogge said during a visit to Port of Spain, Trinidad that no governments had called for a boycott of the Beijing Games over China's crackdown on protests in Tibet.
"There have been absolutely no calls for a boycott, neither emanating from governments, and we have been very heartened by the position of the European Union and the major governments of the world who have all said almost unanimously that boycotts will not be a solution," Rogge told Reuters on Monday.
EXPRESSED CONCERNS
The United States and the EU called on China to exercise restraint while the United Nations expressed concerns.
The 1976, 1980 and 1984 Summer Olympics were all marred by boycotts.
The 1976 Montreal Games were boycotted by 28 African nations after the IOC refused to ban New Zealand for allowing the All Blacks rugby team to tour apartheid South Africa.
The U.S. boycotted the 1980 Moscow Olympics in protest against the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan which was followed by a Soviet-led boycott of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While the decision to boycott a Games would ultimately rest with the U.S. government, Seibel said the USOC has not had any communication with the White House about the possibility.
"That hasn't been necessary," Seibel said. "Remember the President has been invited to attend the Games and has indicated he fully intends to do so.
"The Olympic Games represent a unique and increasingly important opportunity for our world to come together.
"The values for which the Olympic stands have never been more important than they are today."
(Additional reporting by Linda Hutchinson-Jafar in Port of Spain)
(Writing by Steve Keating in Detroit; Editing by Ed Osmond)
("Countdown to Beijing Olympics" blog at blogs.reuters.com/china)
