The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday extended its full support to the Syrian Olympic team, and expected a small delegation in London despite the ongoing conflict that has claimed thousands of lives since March 2011, dpa reported.
"We are in constant contact with the athletes in Syria and want to make sure that they will be in London," said Pere Miro, the IOC's director of international relations.
About four or five competitors continue to live and train in Syria, and the country's national Olympic committee also continues to be recognized by the IOC.
However, financial support will go directly to the athletes and not via the national Olympic committee. In addition to the athletes and swimmers, the IOC expects about five officials as part of the Syrian delegation to London.
"At the moment we are treating the Syrian national Olympic committee just like any other," said Miro.
In contrast, however, the Olympic dreams of South Sudan will not become a reality in 2012. While South Sudan was admitted in July to the United Nations as the world's 193rd country, it does not have a single internationally recognized sports federation. A final decision was expected in May.