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In a statement to mark the first anniversary of
Russia's invasion of Ukraine, on Feb. 24 last year, the IOC said
the Games had a unifying character that promoted peace.
The Olympic body is facing a mounting backlash after setting out
a path last month for athletes of both Russia and Belarus to
earn slots for the Olympics through Asian qualifying and to
compete as neutrals, with no flags or anthems.
Athletes from those countries were banned from many
international competitions in after Russia launched what it
calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine, but some
international federations are now allowing them back following
the IOC guidance.
"The Olympic Games cannot prevent wars and conflicts. Nor can
they address all the political and social challenges in our
world," the IOC said in its statement.
"This is the realm of politics. But the Olympic Games can set an
example for a world where everyone respects the same rules and
one another."
"They can open the door to dialogue and peace-building in ways
that exclusion and division do not."
Ukraine and its Eastern European and Baltic neighbours are
leading the call for Russian and Belarusian athletes to be
banned from Paris as long as Russia's troops maintain their
invasion of Ukraine, which Belarus helped facilitate.
On Monday, more than 30 countries including the United States,
Britain and France pledged their support for banning Russian and
Belarusian athletes from international competitions.
Ukraine has also threatened to boycott the Olympics over
Russia's participation.
"Our mission has always been to promote peace through sport. The
IOC remains committed to this mission to unite the entire world
in peaceful competition to this day," the IOC said.
"Peace-building efforts need dialogue. A competition with
athletes who respect the Olympic Charter can serve as a catalyst
for dialogue, which is always a first step to achieving peace."
(Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; Editing by Robert Birsel)
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