7 April 2008

BEIJING - The head of the International Olympic Committee says he is ''very concerned'' about the unrest in Tibet and other international issues surrounding the Beijing Games.

China has faced a great deal of criticism ahead of the August games, on issues ranging from its crackdown on unrest in Tibet to its diplomatic policies in Darfur.

The Olympic torch relay in London on Sunday was disrupted by protesters who tried to grab the torch and snuff out the flame.

''I'm very concerned with the international situation and what's happening in Tibet,'' Belgium's Jacques Rogge said on Monday in Beijing. He was in the Chinese capital to meet with officials from national Olympic committees.

The statement was a recognition of rising international concern and the potential to tarnish the Olympic movement.

[AP / Expatica]