Sun, July 22, 2012
LONDON, July 21 (Xinhua) -- IOC Chairman, Jacques Rogge this Saturday addressed press questions following a meeting of the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee.
Rogge answered questions on the issues of security and transport as well as other issues of importance to the Olympic movement.
The IOC Chairman began by giving a positive appraisal of the situation London is in just six days before the opening ceremony on July 27th.
"The EB focused on the preparation of London. I am glad to report immigration is working well, transport time is satisfactory, the athletes and coaches ecstatic with training venues and security is in place," said Rogge who was questioned on security arrangements after revelations earlier in the week that extra troops had been called in to cover for a shortfall in private security staff.
"We were reassured by what we heard from the Government, the security arrangements are in place and we are satisfied with that. I cannot enter into details, but we were reassured that everything has been put in place. The company (G4S) will compensate the extra cost of the soldiers to the government. But it is time to move on," he said.
Rogge also discussed the anticipated transport problems which are expected to be faced by Londoners once the designated Olympic transport lanes go into operation on Wednesday July 25th.
Once again, he looked to put a positive light on the question, saying that the city' s will to host the Games outstripped any possible problems.
"This is a major event. It is a very important event for London, Great Britain and sport. For some it will be a difficulty, but I believe the national loves and wants the games. We will try and keep the problems to as low a level as possible. But I think people will adapt for two weeks," said Rogge.
Rogge explained that there would be a delay into resolving allegations of alleged illegal ticket sales uncovered by the Sunday Times newspaper.
"Our ethics commission met with Sunday Times and asked for the evidence. they took two weeks to give it to us," he explained.
"This is a huge file with a lot of people involved and organizations. The rights of the defense require everyone to explain their case. There will be interviews with them and we expect results by the end of September or the start of October," said the IOC Chairman, who added there would be a full review of the system of selling tickets.
Among other issues raised at the conference was the question of how far the organization would go to protect rights holders at the Games. Rogge said that sponsors would be protected as they were vital to the existence of the Olympics and he added that serious attempts at ambush marketing would face prosecution, while promising a 'subtle' approach overall.
When questioned about increased sanctions for doping Rogge commented that while the IOC and WADA fought drug use in sport as hard as possible, the sanctions applied for drug cheats were limited by the fact they also have be acceptable in a court of law.
When asked about the place the London 2012 Games would have in the history of the Olympic movement, he sounded a positive note.
"The place of the Games (in history) will only be decided at the end. I believe and hope they will be good. But what is visible is the identity of the Games.... Going to London is going to the country that invented modern sport in the second half of the 19th century: a country that loves sport and that will come out," he assured.
