International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach reacts to a growing diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Olympics in February, prompted by what the Western allies argue are widespread rights abuses by China. "The presence of government officials is a purely political decision for each government," he says, adding, "the principle of the political neutrality of the IOC applies." Britain on Wednesday joined Australia and the United States in announcing they will not send ministers to the Winter Games in the Chinese capital. SOUNDBITE

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