IOC President Condemns Terrorist Attacks

(ATR) Thomas Bach says the IOC stands side by side with the Belgian people following the "cowardly" Brussels attacks Tuesday that killed at least 31 people and left many injured.

"Such odious attacks are directed against all human and Olympic values," Bach said in a statement, saying the IOC’s thoughts and deep sympathies were with all the victims and their families and friends.

"We stand side by side with the Belgian and European people. These and other terrorist acts in different countries show that the Olympic values of understanding, respect and peace are more important than ever for our world."

Two bomb explosions at the Belgian capital city’s international airport this morning killed 11 and injured more than 80 people, according to authorities. Twenty people were killed in a separate blast at the Maelbeek metro station an hour later, with over 100 wounded.

Reacting to the shocking attacks, the European Olympic Committees commented "Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the terrible events in Brussels.

"The EOC has sent a letter of solidarity to the National Olympic Committee of Belgium and we have been in frequent contact with our EOC-EU Office in Brussels, who have confirmed that all their staff are safe.

"It is not appropriate at this time to be looking at the implications, if any, on international sport or European sport," the statement added.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel condemned the "blind, violent and cowardly acts" perpetrated by Islamic State, who claimed responsibility for the attacks. "This is a black day... I would like to call on everyone to show calmness and solidarity," he said.

In the wake of the November attacks on Paris, the Brussels tragedy put the city on the highest terror alert. It has raised security fears for this summer’s sporting showpieces – Euro 2016 in France and the Rio Olympics.

Escalating terror threats in Europe will also be a factor in the development of the 2024 Olympic bids from Budapest, Paris and Rome. Los Angeles is the other candidate in the bidding race which concludes with the IOC vote in September 2017.

Commenting on increased security concerns for Euro 2016, French interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve vowed that there would be a "very high security level" at the June 10-July 10 European Championships.

Security measures have already been stepped up since the terror attacks which killed 130 in the French capital, including mobilization of extra police and emergency officials and increased checks at the entrances to dedicated fan zones where thousands will gather to watch games on big screens.

In the wake of the Brussels tragedy, UEFA said it wanted "to reaffirm its commitment in placing safety and security at the centre of its organizational plans for Euro 2016".

European football’s governing body said its Euro 2016 safety and security division would monitor the level of risk for the 24-team tournament.

"For over three years now, Euro 2016 SAS has been working with the authorities to guarantee a safe and secure tournament and all measures are being taken to ensure that is the case for all involved," the statement added.

Reported by Mark Bisson

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