Games mirrors man's quest for peace, amity

International Olympic Committee (IOC) Chairman Jacques Rogge said in Beijing on April 10 that freedom of speech is a basic human right and athletes can express their opinions anytime and anywhere during the Olympic Games as long as they abide by the Olympic Charter, which forbids athletes and referees from making public speeches or holding protests over political, religious and racial issues at such places as competition venues and the Olympic Village.

"We have 205 national and regional Olympic committees, many of which are in conflict with one another", Rogge added. "We do not want these issues raised at the Olympic Games."

His heartfelt words reflected the apolitical nature of the Olympic movement and were spoken at a time when the sacred flame of the 29th Olympiad was being attacked by "Tibet independence" supporters during its relay in Europe.