Olympics-Kuwait ready to amend law and avoid suspension - IOC

BERLIN, July 15 (Reuters) - Kuwait was prepared to amend a law threatening the autonomy of its sports organisations and putting the country at risk of suspension from the Olympic movement, the International Olympic Committee said on Wednesday.

The IOC has tried for two years to find a solution with authorities over the independent operation of Kuwait's National Olympic Committee (NOC) and the country's sports bodies but previously said deadlines had repeatedly not been respected.

Howwever, following a "fruitful" meeting between Kuwaiti authorities and the IOC in Lausanne on Wednesday, the two sides have agreed to settle the issue by Dec. 31.

"The Kuwait Authorities expressed their willingness to find an appropriate and suitable solution in order to avoid the suspension of the Kuwait Olympic Committee and the Kuwait Olympic Movement," the IOC said in a statement.

"Also, it was agreed the whole process of amendments of the sports law must be finalised by 31 December 2009 at the latest."

It added "if necessary the IOC together with the Olympic Council of Asia will offer assistance... on a technical level in order to ensure the Kuwait sports law and regulations are compatible with the Olympic Charter and the rules of the Olympic sports federations."

The IOC said last month government authorities had until July 31 to amend the country's sports law or see the country suspended from Aug. 1.

(Writing by Karolos Grohmann; Editing by Ken Ferris

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(Editing by Ken Ferris To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)