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Saturday 22 January 2011

London 2012 Olympics: IOC brokers deal between Palestine and Israel over training facilities for Games



Usually tense relationships between Israel and Palestine have taken a fresh twist with Israeli officials today agreeing to provide training facilities for Palestinian athletes to prepare for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

London 2012 Olympics: IOC brokers deal between Palestine and Israel over training facilities for Games -Jacques Rogge (centre) shakes hands with the head of the Palestinian delegation Major General Jibril Rajoub (left) and Israeli Olympic committee president Zvi Varshaviak
Put it there: IOC president Jacques Rogge (centre) shakes hands with the head of the Palestinian delegation Major General Jibril Rajoub (left) and Israeli Olympic committee president Zvi Varshaviak Photo: AP
The surprise offer came after an historic meeting today of the nationalOlympic committees of both countries and was brokered by the International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge.
Rogge had previously visited the Middle East in October, prompted by continuing difficulties athletes from both countries faced in obtaining visas to compete internationally in various countries.
The Munich massacre of Israeli athletes by Palestinian terrorists have marked the darkest days in Olympic history and relationships between the two countries have been raw and strained.
But the IOC said in a statement that the meeting of Israeli Olympic committee President Zvi Varshaviak and secretary general Efraim Zinger with Palestinian Olympic president Major General Jibril Rajoub, International Relations director Khalid El-Yazji, Palestine Football Association officials Tanya Jaar and Jérôme Champagne, was held in ''a very constructive and co-operative spirit''.
Of concern was the movement of Palestinian athletes, coaches, officials and sports material, the difficulties in obtaining visas and difficulties of competition for both Israeli and Palestinian athletes in various countries.
''It was agreed that both national Olympic committees will make an assessment of the current difficulties they face and work together on concrete proposals and a mechanism that would help improve the situation before referring to their respective public authorities,'' the IOC said.
'' A second meeting will be scheduled in two months’ time to review the progress made.''
But preparing the athletes for the London 2012 Olympic Games was a critical step forward. The IOC said it would provide experts to work on a long-term sports development strategy in Palestine to continue to assist not only the athletes but also coaches and sports administrators, and to identify ways to better promote sport and its values at grassroots level.
''In the short run, priority will be given to assisting Palestinian athletes to move towards their dream of taking part in the Olympic Games in London next year.'' the IOC said.
'' In that respect, the representatives of the Olympic Committee of Israel said that they were ready to offer training opportunities to Palestinian athletes.
''The participation of Israeli athletes in international competitions was another subject raised during the meeting, and all participants stressed their good will to use when possible their influence to address the issue with the relevant parties.''

1 comment:

  1. ''The participation of Israeli athletes in international competitions was another subject raised during the meeting, and all participants stressed their good will to use when possible their influence to address the issue with the relevant parties.''

    Whatever does this gabble speak mean? That Israel will be supported by the "Goodwill" of ALL participants who want to see Israel compete in London?
    If the "deal" is that Israel will not act against Palestinian athletes travel and training arrangements in return for acceptance of Israel as a legitimate Olympic competitor; then this is no more than Olympians should do anyway! There are many countries who would sponsor and support the Palestinian team and provide training opportunities without attacking their countrymen and women, stealing their land and destroying their futures... reliance on this occupier who contravenes Principle 2, Principle 5 and Principle 6 of the the Olympic Charter is not required.
    Let us hope that Palestinian athletes are given first class training opportunities and receive the tumultuous welcome that London and the UK longs to give them. Our flags will be raised together... but as for aparthied Israel... stay away... you are not wanted and will be disrupted at every opportunity.

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