IOC to allow Iraq to compete in Beijing

Lausanne, Switzerland -- The International Olympic Committee reached agreement with Iraq, opening the way for Iraqi athletes to participate in the Beijing Summer Olympics.

At a meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, Olympics and Iraqi officials agreed on a framework for electing a new, independent Iraqi National Olympic Committee by November.

The IOC threatened in June to ban Iraq from the Summer Games after the Iraqi government sought to disband the National Olympic Committee established in 2004 and replace it with a body headed by a government official in May. In June, the IOC suspended the government-headed committee.

Two Iraqi competitors are expected at the Games, which formally open Aug. 8.

"We look forward to seeing the Iraqi flag in Beijing," IOC President Jacques Rogge said in a statement.

"We have said all along that we want to see Iraqi athletes in Beijing."

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.