IOC won't 'cross the line' and push China on Tibet issue: Rogge

The IOC said Friday that it would not "cross" the political line and push China to resolve the turmoil in Tibet, despite the protests marring the Beijing torch relay.

International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge reiterated his position that the organization will not press China to hold talks on Tibet, human rights or other political issues.

"As to entering into these issues, this is the line that we do not have to cross," Rogge said at a news conference at the close of a two-day IOC executive board meeting. "The IOC expressed its view to the prime minister concerning the preparation of the Olympic Games."

Asked specifically whether he would encourage China to open dialogue on Tibet, Rogge said that was "a political matter in which the IOC cannot enter."

"This is a sovereign matter for China to decide," he said. Rogge met Wednesday with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, but declined to give details, other than describing the talks as "very useful ... frank and open and candid."

"It was definitely a good meeting for the outcome of the preparation of the Olympic Games," he said.

Rogge appeared more upbeat than on Thursday when he declared the Olympics were in "crisis" because of the torch relay disruptions and politically charged buildup to the Aug. 8-24 games.

Asked when the crisis would end, he smiled and said, "I have no crystal ball but I'm optimistic the games will be a great success." (****)