Berlin, 18 March 1999
A lack of transparency is at the heart of the current IOC corruption
scandal, Transparency International has stated. An independent body of
experts should therefore develop a Code of Conduct and transparency arrangements
for the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Berlin-based international
anti-corruption organisation has said.
"The IOC must have clear and distinct rules relative to all procedures
that directly and indirectly involve it in financial dealings, in sponsorships,
and key locational decisions," Peter Eigen, the Chairman of Transparency
International (TI), said. "If the IOC fails to develop meaningful
mechanisms to provide for greater transparency and accountability, its
credibility will be tarnished for ever," Eigen added. In addition
to meeting international standards in accounts and auditing, Transparency
was needed
- in hospitality and gifts made to IOC members and their allied organisations
- in the election process of IOC members;
- in the bidding procedures for the games; and
- in the bidding procedures by potential sponsors and broadcasters.
The proposed expert body should also develop a framework for a standing
IOC Ethics Panel which includes independent representation by athletes
and civil society. Transparency International, for its part, is ready
to assist in the setting up of such a body of experts; "but its own
independence in voicing opinions on IOC ethics matters will not be compromised,"
Dr Eigen concluded.
For further information, please contact:
Mr. Carel Mohn, Press Officer
Tel.: +49-30-343820-19
Fax: +49-30-34382044
E-mail: [email protected]
Mr. Jeremy Pope, Executive Director
Tel.: +44-181-748 7405
Fax: +44-181-748 7405
About TI:
Transparency International was founded in 1993. It is the only international
non-governmental and not-for-profit organisation devoted solely to containing
corruption and increasing government accountability. There are currently
more than 60 National Chapters around the world, and TI's International
Secretariat is in Berlin, Germany.
Transparency International (TI)
Otto-Suhr-Allee 97-99, D-10585 Berlin, Germany
Tel. (49-30) 343 820-0, Fax (49-30) 34 70 39 12
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: http://www.transparency.org
|
