Solution might be close for doping laws at Turin

The conflict over Italy's tough doping laws for the Winter Olympics may be nearing a solution. Valentino Castellani, chief of the Turin organizing committee, said Tuesday he believed a tentative accord had been reached.

Under Italian law, athletes can face criminal sanctions for doping violations _ raising the possibility of police raids in the Olympic Village during the games, Feb. 10-26. Under International Olympic Committee rules, athletes face disqualification for any doping offense but no legal penalties.

Government supervisor Mario Pescante said he'll meet with IOC president Jacques Rogge at a European Olympic meeting in Dublin this weekend. Pescante all but abandoned an attempt to temporarily suspend Italy's laws for the Olympics after the idea was harshly opposed by the Italian Senate last month.

Rogge said he expects "intelligent solutions" will be found within "full respect" of the law. Pescante and Rogge also are due to meet next week in Rome during the beginning of the torch relay in Italy, AP reports.

A. A.