Percorso:ANSA > Nuova Europa > Politics > Rio: Serbia to athletes, leave podium if Kosovo presents

Rio: Serbia to athletes, leave podium if Kosovo presents

Sport minister, we cannot listen their anthem

07 August, 16:55
(ANSA-AP) - RIO, 7 AGO - Serbia has advised its athletes competing at the Rio Olympics to withdraw from any medal award ceremonies if they have to shar e the podium with athletes from breakaway Kosovo. Serbia has never recognized Kosovo's 2008 declaration of indepe ndence from it. Serbian Sports Minister Vanja Udovicic says Sunday on the state TV website that the final decision is up to the athletes thems elves, while the government has issued only a recommendation. Udovicic concedes that the issue is "complex." Kosovo was officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee in 2014. It has sent eight athletes to Rio, some of wh om competed for Albania at the 2012 London Olympics. Udovicic says Serbia's government didn't want to undermine its athletes but "we cannot listen to the (Kosovo) anthem and watch their flag." (ANSA-AP).

© Copyright ANSA - All rights reserved