Rogge in 'silent diplomacy' with China

ANCIENT OLYMPIA, Greece — IOC president Jacques Rogge said Monday he is engaged in "silent diplomacy" with China on Tibet and other human rights issues in advance of the Beijing Olympics.

Rogge gave his most extensive public comments on China's political situation in an interview with The Associated Press in Ancient Olympia, shortly before the start of the Beijing torch relay was disrupted by pro-Tibetan and press freedom activists. Seven people were detained.

Rogge and the International Olympic Committee have come under pressure to speak out about the crackdown in Tibet and China's record on human rights, Darfur, freedom of speech and other issues as the Aug. 8-24 games approach.

In the 45-minute interview, Rogge reiterated his long-standing position that the IOC is not a political organization and cannot interfere in the internal affairs of China. But he stressed that he is involved in private dialogue with Chinese leaders and insisted the human rights situation has improved since Beijing got the games seven years ago.

"The IOC is engaged in what I call a 'silent diplomacy' with Chinese authorities since day one of the preparations of the games," Rogge said. "We are discussing on a daily basis with Chinese authorities, including discussing these issues, while strictly respecting the sovereignty of China in its affairs."

Rogge, who will chair IOC executive board meetings in Beijing next month, said he will meet then with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

"I have a series of points to discuss with him and I'm sure he has points to discuss with me," Rogge said without elaborating.

"I repeat, we are not a political body, we are not an NGO, but it is our responsibility to make sure the athletes get the best possible games which they deserve," he said.

Rogge contested claims that the human rights situation in China has deteriorated since the IOC gave the games to Beijing in 2001.

"I dispute that, I challenge that," he said. "Awarding the games to China has put China in the limelight and opened the (human rights) issues up to the world. Tibet, rightfully so, is on the front page. But it would not be on the front page if the games were not being organized in China.

"I believe the games have advanced the agenda of human rights," Rogge added. "Is the situation perfect? By no means. Has it improved? I'm saying yes. Is the glass half full, or half empty? I'm saying half full."