EMPs condemn IOC for admitting Russian athletes to 2024 Olympics

18 February, 06:15 AM
Olympic rings in Paris (Photo:REUTERS/Benoit Tessier)

Olympic rings in Paris (Photo:REUTERS/Benoit Tessier)

The European Parliament has passed a resolution condemning the International Olympic Committee's decision not to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, the AP reported on Feb. 17.

The European Parliament stressed that allowing athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under a "neutral flag" contradicts their isolation and "will be used by both regimes for propaganda purposes."

The resolution also calls on the EU countries and the international community to influence the IOC to reverse the decision, which "brings shame to the international sporting world."

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The EMPs also called to seriously consider transferring fighter jets, helicopters, missile systems, and more ammunition to Ukraine, as well as adopting the 10th package of sanctions against Russia by the end of February. They also urged start working on beginning the negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU.

Earlier, the International Olympic Committee stated that they were ready to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under a neutral flag.

On Jan. 27, German newspaper Der Spiegel quoted IOC President Thomas Bach as saying that he wants to “bring together athletes from all over the world,” including Russian ones, at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“It is not in line with the values and mission of the Olympic Charter to exclude athletes because of their passport,” Bach said.

Ukrainian Sports Minister Vadym Gutzeit does not rule out Ukraine boycotting the Olympic Games if Russian and Belarusian athletes are allowed to compete there.

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