Bach:Serbia a friend,Kosovo's admission in interest of sport

BELGRADE - International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, who is paying a one-day visit to Belgrade, said on Friday that Serbia is a great friend and partner of the IOC and that Kosovo's admission to full membership in the IOC was in the interest of sport and athletes.

Addressing a press conference in Crowne Plaza Hotel, Bach said that the decision on Kosovo's admission to the IOC was made pursuant to the Charter of the UN General Assembly, which recognises the autonomy of sport, but also on the grounds of the fact that Kosovo has been recognised by over 100 countries of the world.

We wanted to give athletes from Kosovo the opportunity to take part in the Olympic Games, Bach said.

The Olympic Committee of Serbia (OCS) was consulted in the decision-making process, despite the fact that the OCS and its President Vlade Divac were explicitly against the move, he noted.

It is clear that we do not share the same positions on this matter, but we thank the OCS leadership for respecting international sport rules, he said.

The IOC admires and very highly respects the achievements of Serbian sport and athletes, Bach also said, pledging full support for Serbia's preparations for the Rio Olympics.

Photo Tanjug/Rade Prelic