IOC's Rogge says logo not racist

LONDON, March 1 (UPI) -- International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge Tuesday rejected the notion floated by Iran that the logo for the London 2012 Games is racist.

Iran's National Olympic Committee complained in a letter to the IOC Monday that the logo is "racist" because it resembles the word "Zion" and hinted the country could boycott the London Summer Olympics unless it is changed.

But Rogge told the BBC in an exclusive interview he would respond to the Iranians with "a big smile."

"No, it can't be serious. We will quietly reply, telling [Iran] the logo has nothing to do with racism or any political connotation," he told the British broadcaster.

"With the logo, with scissors and some glue you can do whatever you want."