Andrew Dismore

Labour’s Andrew Dismore will today (Wednesday) call on the London Assembly to support a motion calling on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to hold a one minute’s silence during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics Games. This year will be the 40th anniversary of the 1972 massacre that saw 11 Israeli athletes and coaching staff murdered. The IOC have so far refused the call to hold a minute’s silence. The call follows the rejection by the IOC to mark the anniversary at the 10th Olympiad since the massacre. Labour London Assembly Member Andrew Dismore will ask the London Assembly to support this call and stand up to the IOC. Mr Dismore says that the IOC’s political posturing must not be allowed to obstruct the remembrance of the murdered Israeli athletes. The motion, which will be supported by all Labour members of the Assembly states: “This Assembly notes the widespread, cross-party, support for one minute’s silence during the London Olympic Games to mark the 10th Olympiad since and 40th anniversary of the terrorist massacre of Israeli competitors and their coaches during the 1972 Munich Olympics. This Assembly urges the Mayor of London to use his position and influence to ensure an official minute’s silence remembrance is observed in the Olympic Park during the Opening or Closing Ceremonies of the London Olympic Games.” 　 Andrew Dismore, Labour London Assembly member said: “We should mark this anniversary and stand against hatred and terrorism. The Olympics are an iconic and unique symbol of world peace through the celebration of sporting achievement. Boris Johnson must use his position as Mayor of our Olympic City to lead the world in ensuring the commemoration of the victims of the Munich Games. For him not to do so would be a failure of leadership, that is why I am hoping that all members of the London Assembly, from all political groups, will support this important motion.” “By refusing the simple and dignified request for a minute’s silence, the International Olympic Committee are making a fundamental mistake and missing an opportunity to both show respect and hold up the ideals that underpin the Olympics. In remembering the murdered Israeli athletes we should also remember all those whose pursuit of sporting excellence has been hijacked by terrorism or political extremism.” “The IOC need to be challenged rather than　being allowed to ride rough-shod over host-cities’ wishes. Like many cities, London has witnessed appalling terrorist attacks. Asking for a minute’s silence to commemorate terrorist victims of the Olympics themselves is not much to ask.” ENDS Notes 1. Andrew Dismore is the Labour London Assembly Member for Barnet & Camden. 2. The motion will be debated during a full meeting of the London Assembly on Wednesday 20th June 2012, starting at 10am, a webcast of the session can be viewed here: http://www.london.gov.uk/who-runs-london/the-london-assembly/webcasts 　 For further information please contact Mark Williams, Labour group press officer, on (+44)20 7983 4952.　 Number not for publication.

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