IOC officials say they are lifting Iraq's ban because the Government has pledged to ensure the independence of its national Olympic committee.

 

The decision follows last-minute talks earlier today between Iraqi officials and the IOC at its headquarters in Lausanne.

 

A compromise was worked out after mediators from Germany and China became involved in talks.

 

A deadline to submit competitors' names for athletics events expires tomorrow.

 

Iraq is expected to send two athletes to Beijing.

 

Five others lost their chance to go when the final date to select competitors for archery, judo, rowing and weightlifting passed last week.

 

Iraq's National Olympic Committee was dissolved by the Baghdad Government in May, prompting the IOC to suspend the country from the Olympics for political interference.

 

The IOC had insisted the old committee be reinstated even though four members were kidnapped two years ago.

 

Their fates remain unknown.

 

The agreement also calls for the transparent and fair election of a new, independent Iraqi National Olympic Committee, no later than the end of November 2008.

 

This process will be overseen by the IOC and the Olympic Council of Asia and will be held in co-operation with the Government of Iraq, and in accordance with the Olympic Charter.

 

Jacques Rogge, the President of the IOC, said: “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.

 

"We look forward to seeing the Iraqi flag in Beijing."

 

Iraq has won only one bronze medal since its first appearance at the Summer Olympics in 1948 in London but its football team narrowly lost out on finishing third at the Athens Olympics four years ago, only losing out on a bronze medal when losing a play-off to Italy.