IOC considers torch relay plans

BEIJING — The IOC will review plans for the remainder of the Beijing Olympic torch relay and consider scrapping the international portion of the event for future games.

International Olympic Committee officials expressed concern Tuesday about the disruption caused by anti-Chinese protests during the relay in Paris and London and braced for more potential trouble during the leg through San Francisco on Wednesday.

IOC president Jacques Rogge said the committee's executive board would discuss the future of the Beijing relay on Friday. He did not rule out the option of suspending or scrapping part of the relay, although most Olympic officials are opposed to such a move and Beijing organizers have vowed to go to the end.

Asked whether the continuation of the international relay was certain, Rogge said: "I'm not saying whether it is certain or not. There will be a discussion of the executive board on the torch relay but I attach on that absolutely no speculation whatsoever."

The torch relay has been disrupted in Greece, Istanbul, London and Paris by protesters opposed to China's policies in Tibet and overall human rights record.

IOC spokeswoman Giselle Davies said there were no plans for canceling the rest of the relay, which has been a magnet for protests since the flame embarked March 24 on its 85,000-mile journey from Ancient Olympia in Greece as part of its 21-stop, six-continent tour.

The torch relay is expected to end in mainland China on May 4.The Beijing Olympics start Aug. 8.

"As we speak today, the IOC expects the relay to follow its course as planned and there has been no official discussion to the contrary," Davies said.

Patrick Hickey, an Irish IOC member who heads the European Olympic Committees, said there was widespread consensus that future torch relays should be limited to the national territory of the host country.

Gilbert Felli, the IOC's executive director for the Olympic Games, confirmed the committee would reassess its policy for future relays.

The chaos along the relay route has tarnished China's image and spoiled an event which was supposed to symbolize Olympic values of unity and harmony.

"I'm definitely concerned about what has happened in London and in Paris," Rogge said. "I'm deeply saddened by the fact that such an important symbol has been attacked. We recognize the right for people to protest and express their views but it should be nonviolent. We are very sad for all the athletes and the people who expected so much from the run and have been spoiled of their joy."