IN BRIEF : Europe’s Sports Ministers Condemn Athletic Links With South Africa
European sports ministers adopted documents today condemning the continuation of sports links with South Africa and calling for tough new anti-drug measures.
Officials from the 23 Council of Europe nations unanimously approved a resolution criticizing nations, such as West Germany, Britain and France, that have not severed all their sports contacts with South Africa.
Nations such as Ireland and Britain said they condemn apartheid, but pointed out that they cannot prevent their athletes from traveling to South Africa.
“We believe strongly in the right, in the duty, of government to state clearly its position on apartheid, while equally respecting the rights of individuals,” said British Sports Minister Colin Moynihan.
The sports ministers approved an anti-drug resolution that would facilitate year-round testing of athletes and threaten punishment for doctors and coaches that supply banned substances to athletes. The anti-drug resolution still must be ratified by Council of Europe foreign ministers later this year.
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