The Bejing Olympic Games have had a positive influence on China, notably promoting the country's opening up to the world, said Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), on Tuesday.

"We believe the Games have had a positive influce on China," Rogge told a news conference at the Swiss Press Club in Geneva.

"China has opened up to the world. There were 32,000 media people (in Beijing). They were able to report freely, and they were able to express their views unhindered," Rogge said.

Asked to comment on the criticism raised by certain human rights groups, Rogge said, "We do not necessarily share their point of view."

"Our position is that the Olympic Games are a force for good, that they have a positive influence on societies," he said.

The 29th summer Olympic Games were successfully held in Beijing from August 8 to August 24. Rogge had praised the Beijing Games as "truely exceptional".

(Xinhua News Agency October 1, 2008)