“We won’t miss you if you boycott 2012 Olympics," British PM tells Iranians
11 March 2011
Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron has reportedly said the Iranians "would not be missed" if they decided to boycott the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Last week, Iran threatened to stay away over claims the 2012 logo was racist as it resembled the word "Zion", a biblical term for Israel. Cameron told London-based paper ‘Jewish News’: "It's completely paranoid. If the Iranians don't want to come, don't come - we won't miss you. It would be a crazy reason for not coming.”
The London logo shows the numbers "2012" in four jagged figures and until now has only been criticised for its design. Iranian Olympic officials sent a letter to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) highlighting the perceived link. However, IOC president Jacques Rogge dismissed the claims and said he would "quietly" reply saying the logo "has nothing to do with racism or any political connotation".
In the interview with the newspaper, Cameron also warned that athletes unwilling to compete against Israelis in 2012 would not be welcome. "They can't come if they're going to behave like that. You shouldn't have that approach to sport. If you were going to come to the Olympic Games, you take part against everybody and if you're going to behave like that you're not welcome." A spokesman for the prime minister later clarified: "Any country participating in the 2012 Games will be welcomed, but it is absolutely essential that they embrace the spirit of the Games."
» Iranians attack “racist logo” of 2012 Olympic Games in London
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