Cuba defends China for Olympics

Cuban Olympic Committee (COC) president Jose Ramon Fernandez condemned the campaign to damage international confidence in China to fulfill commitments and organize the 2008 Olympic Games.

The COC is firmly opposed to those attempts to interfere in China's internal affairs, while recognizing and totally supporting efforts by the Olympic Committee and the Chinese government and people to guarantee success in Beijing.

Fernandez told Prensa Latina that this sovereign and indivisible nation, with a glorious history, one-thousand-year culture, a responsible government and virtues to accompany this people and athletes, could not be pressed or blackmailed.The COC, as well as the Cuban government, approved the appointment of China as a venue of the 29th Olympic Games.

The International Olympic Committee said China has unquestionable prestige and undeniable success in the world Olympic movement.Fernandez noted that as International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge said in his Declaration, "to have appointed the most densely populated country of the world as venue of the Olympic Games will give an opening to the Olympic movement to one fifth of humanity."

According to the COC president, it is sad that some non-governmental organizations and institutions and mass media have joined in a campaign against China and even encourage a boycott.

"We can not impose the Olympic movement and the international community to the law of the jungle," said Fernandez before starting sessions of the 16 General Assembly of the National Olympic Committees.