IOC chief in 'silent diplomacy' with China

Athens: The president of the International Olympic Committee Jacques Rogge has said he is involved in “silent diplomacy'' with China following a violent crackdown on demonstrators calling for Tibetan independence.

Rogge told the Associated Press he was concerned by the recent bloodshed ahead of the Beijing Olympics later this year, but re-iterated that the IOC could do no more than join world leaders in calling for a peaceful resolution to the situation.

Rogge was speaking in Ancient Olympia, where the Olympic flame-lighting ceremony was taking place.

He said he would be meeting with Chinese officials throughout the games' preparations, including Chinese premier Wen Jiabao.