DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — The president of the Syrian Olympic Committee says nine athletes from the war-torn country have qualified for the London Olympics and will compete "despite all pressures, media war and threats to ban them."

Gen. Mowaffak Joumaa says Syria plans to send up to 10 athletes and several officials even though a travel ban looms against top officials.

Joumaa says Syria will take part to reflect the "will of its people and show its firm support for the leadership of the country and its army that is vehemently confronting the conspiracy" against it.

Joumaa's comments were faxed to The Associated Press on Wednesday.

British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg told the BBC this week that Syrian delegation members with connections to the regime of President Bashar Assad will be denied entry.

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Barbara Surk reported from London.