Iraqi envoys head for IOC talks, seeking to save Beijing spot
By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
An Iraqi delegation is heading to a meeting with the International Olympic Committee to try to reverse a ban on Iraq competing in the Beijing Games.
The Iraqi team left Saturday for Switzerland for talks with IOC officials. The IOC this week upheld its ban on Iraq for what it calls political interference in Olympic affairs.
The ban was first imposed in June after Iraq's government replaced its national Olympic Committee with members not recognized by the IOC. The IOC says Iraq must reinstate the old committee, but Iraq's government alleges it was rife with corruption.
A date for the meeting has not been formally announced, but some reports say it could be Monday.