Iranians "would not be missed" if they decided to boycott the London Olympics, David Cameron is reported as saying.

Last week, Iran threatened to stay away over claims the 2012 logo was racist as it resembled the word "Zion", a biblical term for Israel.

The prime minister told London-based paper Jewish News: "It's completely paranoid. 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," he said.

The London logo shows the numbers "2012" in four jagged figures and until now has only been criticised for its design.
'Embrace the spirit'

Iranian Olympic officals sent a letter to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) highlighting the perceived link.

But IOC president Jacques Rogge dismissed the claims and said he would "quietly" reply saying the logo "has nothing to do with racism or any political connotation".

In the interview with the newspaper, Mr Cameron also warned that athletes unwilling to compete against Israelis in 2012 would not be welcome.

"They can't come if they're going to behave like that," he said.

"You shouldn't have that approach to sport. If you were going to come to the Olympic Games, you take part against everybody and if you're going to behave like that you're not welcome."

A Downing Street spokesman later said: "Any country participating in the 2012 Games will be welcomed, but it is absolutely essential that they embrace the spirit of the Games."

Iran won a gold and bronze at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing to finish 51st in the medals table.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12707810

Nothing like resurrecting an issue that was laughable and making it ten times worse - just so you can look good in front of your all-important Jewish friends

Even if he has a point?

Why publicly escalate it to 'small diplomatic incident' status via a Jewish newspaper of all media though?

The point needs to be made so why not imo

It will make security slightly easier.

It's the impact on wider relations (not just with Iran), an event that will cost us billions, you name it. I don't disagree with what he's saying, but why say it in this manner when it was essentially old news? Wouldn't be connected to Hague and Fox making grand statements about Iran would it? Or am I just cynical?

I agree with Er, who is not Ern, it's not what you'd call diplomatic.

Fair enough to have a go at those in power but saying 'Iranians' includes all of the population in that. The population aren't mad like their leaders.

He should actually be encouraging the sportsmen and women of Iran to come irrespective of the "leaders" irrational opinions.

Agreed but this is national pride that we are talking about. They may not be allowed to leave Iran even if they wanted to.

They could probably leave, whether they'd be allowed back is a different matter.

More likely they will not want to go back and will ask for asylum if they even get here.