The world cycling governing body (UCI) will continue to welcome Israeli athletes at its competitions despite calls for sporting boycotts, UCI president David Lappartient declared on Friday, saying sport should unite rather than punish.

Lappartient, who was re-elected the body's president for a third four-year term at the UCI Congress on Thursday, was speaking on the sidelines of the World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda.

Earlier this week, a U.N. Commission of Inquiry said in a report that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza - an accusation that Israel has dismissed - and called for Israel's suspension from international football, but Lappartient said the UCI would not go down that path.

"It is perfectly normal for them to be here, because we believe - and I am speaking on behalf of t

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