Agreement reached to allow Iraqi athletes to compete at Beijing Games

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War and peace: Iraq

However, the IOC and the Iraqi government met at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne today and agreed on a series of steps that will lead to a fully functioning, independent National Olympic Committee in Iraq.

The agreement re-establishes the country's independent NOC, meaning Iraq can after all participate in the Chinese capital next month.

"I commend the government of Iraq for reaching an agreement that serves the long-term interest of Iraqi athletes," IOC president Jacques Rogge said.

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

"We look forward to seeing the Iraqi flag in Beijing."

The late decision means Iraq can only compete in the athletics as the deadline for other events passed on July 23. They will not have a full complement of athletes for the track and field as three of the five slots for Iraqi competitors have already been redistributed.