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Belarus’ NOC to continue dialogue with international sports federations

Viktor Lukashenko

MINSK, 26 April (BelTA) - Belarus will continue the dialogue with the international sports federations, despite the fact that some of them make odd decisions against the Belarusian athletes, President of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Belarus Viktor Lukashenko said ahead of the opening of the 3rd National Forum of Athletes on 26 April, BelTA has learned.

According to the head of the NOC of Belarus, lately the International Olympic Committee seemed to have made steps towards the Belarusian and Russian athletes. However, the international sports federations have been vested with the right to make final decisions.

Viktor Lukashenko stressed that a “thaw” on the part of the IOC is far from meaning good relations. The pressure on the Belarusian and Russian athletes continues. Moreover, some countries began to prohibit their athletes to participate in tournaments that feature Belarusians and Russians, and even call to give part of the prize money to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

According to the president of the NOC, work is underway to clarify the conditions for the admission of the Belarusian athletes to international tournaments, and it is not yet about the Olympic qualification and the Olympics itself. “There should be some red line that we cannot cross: only given respect for our country and our athletes, we will take part in competitions. We will not rush into a whirlpool, just to be allowed to participate in tournaments. There are certain principles we will adhere to,” Viktor Lukashenko said.

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