Espreso. Global

Poland and Baltic States issue joint statement against return of Russians and Belarusians to Olympics

3 February, 2023 Friday
11:24

Sports ministers of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland opposed participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the 2024 and 2026 Olympic Games

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This is said in their joint statement, Ministry of Education, Science and Sports of Lithuania reports.

"At a time when free and democratic countries unite their forces to increase support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia‘s war of aggression supported by its ally Belarus and impose more sanctions on Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism, the IOC launches the search for special forms of participation for athletes from Russia and Belarus in international sports competitions including the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024, allowing sport to be used to legitimise and distract attention from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine," the appeal said.

They stated that attempts to bring athletes back to the competition under the veil of neutrality legitimise political decisions and widespread propaganda of these countries. In addition, it makes it possible to use sports as a factor that distracts from illegal aggression against Ukraine.

"We highly appreciate all international sport organisations and federations that have removed athletes and representatives of Russia and Belarus from international competitions and organisations and we urge them not to change their position until Russia and Belarus stop their aggression against Ukraine," ministers said.

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