By Duncan Mackay

David_Cameron_Olympic_Park_December_2010March 13 - Iran are to complain to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after British Prime Minister David Cameron (pictured) called them "paranoid" but have ruled out boycotting next year's Olympics in protest over the controversial London 2012 logo, which they have claimed is racist.


The Iranians are angry after Cameron hit out at their criticism of the logo after they alleged that the jagged, multi-coloured emblem featuring four bold numerals representing 2012, with the Olympic Rings emblazoned within the digit zero, spelt out the world "Zion".

"It's completely paranoid," Cameron had said during an interview with the London-based Jewish News.

"If the Iranians don't want to come, don't come; we won't miss you.

"It would be a crazy reason for not coming."

Mohammad Aliabadi, head of the National Olympic Committee of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has revealed that they have written to the IOC President Jacques Rogge and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) to protest about Cameron's remarks.

But that would not prevent them competing in the Games.

"British politicians mustn't comment on the matter," Aliabadi said.

"We are going to take part gloriously in the 2012 Olympic Games."

Cameron's remarks have, predictably, been widely condemned in Iran and there have been calls for them to boycott the Games over them.

Kazem Jalai, the spokesman on foreign affairs for the Majlis, the Iranian Parliament, was among those calling for a protest.

"An Islamic campaign to boycott London 2012 Olympics Games would be an appropriate response to David Cameron's insolent remarks about Iran's criticism of the 2012 logo, which it said spells out the word 'Zion'," he said.

Ismaeel Kosari, the vice chairman of the Majlis Foreign Policy Commission, has also hit out at Cameron.

"The British Premier has forgotten that the British bullying era is over and the world's free nations have strongly slapped the bullies including Americans, British and the Zionists in the face," he said.

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February 2011: London 2012 logo is "racist" claims Iran and threatens boycott if not changed