Georgia and Russia will keep their teams at the Beijing Olympics and also compete against each other despite the hostilities over South Ossetia, the International Olympic Committee said on Sunday, according to Antara. IOC spokeswoman Giselle Davies said Olympic supremo Jacques Rogge had met with the Georgian delegation and that Olympians had also talked to the Russian team after Friday`s outbreak of war between the two neighbours. "They will continue participating in the Games. This reflects the Olympic spirit and the value of the Games. The IOC says it is the right decision," Davies said. The news came after Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili reportedly also asked the team to remain in Beijing for the Games which started on Friday and run until August 24. Georgian and Russian athletes will compete each other in women`s beach volleyball on Wednesday. Davies said that no extra security measures would be needed. "They are participating in sport against whichever team they meet They are here to stay and to compete at the Olympics," Davies said. The IOC news came after the fighting spread Saturday beyond the Caucasus province of South Ossetia, which is seeking independence from Georgia with the backing of Russia.
