From Muntaser Dkaidek

JERUSALEM, June 6, 2008 - Israeli authorities have refused permission to Palestinian Olympic hopeful swimmer Zakia Nassar to enter the holy city for training.

Palestinian swimming officials and the Palestine ambassador to Beijing 2008 Olympics said they were surprised that the young swimmer was refused access to the YMCA pool and latest sports equipment in Jerusalem for training and physiotherapy.

The officials have protested to the international swimming governing body, FINA requesting intervention in order to help Nassar prepare for the coming Olympics which are just over two months away.