Olympics to 'rebound from crisis'

The head of the International Olympic Committee has said anti-China protests had created a "crisis" but that the Games in Beijing would "rebound".

Jacques Rogge told a meeting of national Olympic committees in Beijing that the Games would succeed.

But Mr Rogge urged China to respect its "moral engagement" to improve human rights ahead of the Games.

China said it hoped the IOC would steer clear of what it called "irrelevant political factors".

"I hope IOC officials can eliminate all kinds of disturbance and continue to adhere to principles of the Olympic charter," foreign ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said.