MINSK, 20 October (BelTA) – The participation of Belarus in the 26th General Assembly of the Association of the National Olympic Committees (ANOC) in Seoul is certainly a good sign, Kseniya Sankovich, Acting Secretary General of the NOC of Belarus, said. She represents Belarus at the General Assembly events in the capital of the Republic of Korea, BelTA learned from the press service of the NOC.
However, following the first day of the General Assembly Kseniya Sankovich noted that it is too early to talk about any serious progress. “Indeed, we see some warming and understanding, but the main thing for us is the admission of our athletes to competitions. In Seoul we feel support of representatives of other countries, but there are also those who object. These are some European countries. Their resistance hampers the participants of our athletes in the upcoming high-level competitions - the European Youth Olympics Festival and the European Games. Yet, in our opinion, common sense must prevail sooner or later. We are still ready for dialogue and addressing all issues,” Kseniya Sankovich said.
The opening speeches were delivered by Acting President of the ANOC Robin Mitchell and Secretary General of the ANOC Gunilla Lindberg. President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach noted that the work of the IOC remains outside of politics and that the 26th General Assembly of the ANOC unites all members of the ANOC, regardless of whether states are in conflict or not. He emphasized that for the IOC, for all the international federations and for him personally, the principle of unity is important. The IOC continues to live up to its mission of unity and peace, the true principles of the Olympic movement.
The 26th General Assembly of the Association of the National Olympic Committees will wrap up on 21 October.
