Olympics and Magic

The unfortunate controversy surrounding the personal comments of a medical adviser to the Australian Olympic basketball team do not reflect the views of the Australian Olympic Committee or the Australian government. Australia will not boycott the Barcelona Olympics. We will field a basketball team and we hope to have an opportunity to play the U.S.

I am deeply concerned that Australia’s high standing may have been unfairly tarnished by the incautious remarks of one person. Of course, all Australians are entitled to express their own opinions. In this instance, however, the attention given to the views of one Australian have distorted reality.

Australia’s approach to the AIDS epidemic is, by any standard, one of the most progressive and compassionate in the world. The government has taken the lead in Australia in organizing and funding public awareness campaigns and providing for the care of those who are HIV infected or suffering from AIDS under our national heath scheme--to which all Australian taxpayers contribute.

JOHN KELSO

Australian Consulate General

Los Angeles