The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has lifted the ban on Iraq competing at the Beijing Olympics, the IOC announced in Lausanne late on Tuesday.

Iraq delegation was cleared to take part in the Beijing Olympic Games after the Iraqi government and IOC reached an agreement at a crisis meeting here in the IOC's headquarters.

As the deadline for competitors at the Games for all events except athletics passed on July 23 the Iraqi delegation will now have only two athletes -- discus thrower Haidar Nasir and sprinter Danma Hussein.

IOC president Jacques Rogge hailed the agreement: "We look forward to seeing the Iraqi flag in Beijing."

"I commend the government of Iraq for reaching an agreement that serves the long-term interest of Iraqi athletes.

"We have said all along that we want to see Iraqi athletes in Beijing." Rogge said.

(Xinhua News Agency July 30, 2008)