BEIJING (AP) - Despite the thorny issues of politics, pollution and media freedoms, IOC president Jacques Rogge said Saturday he has no regrets about holding the Olympics in China and predicted the "magic of the games" will take over once the competition begins.

Less than a week before the opening ceremony, Rogge addressed a number of the issues which have made the Beijing Games among the most politically contentious in history.

The International Olympic Committee has come under fire for failing to get China to live up to promises to improve its human rights record, clean up Beijing's noxious smog and provide unfettered Internet access to the media.

But Rogge compared the situation to the rocky buildup to the Athens Olympics four years ago, when there were last-minute concerns over whether the venues would be ready on time.

"It's a totally different ball game," he said at a news conference. "Today we have absolutely no concerns about the organization. No regrets. Come the 9th of August (the opening day of competition), the magic of the games and the flawless organization will take over."

Rogge already hailed the athletes' village as the "best ever."

"I've never seen a village like this," said Rogge, who competed in three Olympics in sailing and stays in the village during the games.

Rogge reiterated that athletes in Beijing will have freedom of expression, and will not be barred from criticizing China's policies on human rights, Tibet, Darfur or other issues - as long as they do so away from the Olympic village and other official sites.

He said no political or religious demonstrations will be allowed in the village, which will house some 10,000 athletes from a record 205 countries and territories.

"If we allow political propaganda, it's the end of the harmony of the Olympic village, and the end of the harmony of the games," he said.

Rogge dismissed suggestions that many athletes will skip Friday's opening ceremony because they are staying away from Beijing until the last moment to avoid the air pollution. He said he expects 7,000 to 9,000 athletes to march in the ceremony.

On other issues, Rogge said the IOC's hardline policy on doping was succeeding in weeding out drug cheats before the games through increased unannounced, out-of-competition testing across the world.

Rogge said 15-to-17 athletes have been nabbed in recent weeks in pre-games testing.

"These are 17 cheats that will not falsify the competition," he said.

The number is actually higher: 11 Greek weightlifters were suspended after testing positive for a steroid, and Bulgaria withdrew its entire weightlifting team after 11 athletes were caught.

Several athletes in other sports have also been banned, including seven Russian female track and field athletes who were suspended this week by the IAAF for tampering with urine samples.

"This is not a trend," Rogge said. "It's a deliberate policy."

Rogge expressed satisfaction that Iraqi athletes will be competing in Beijing as a result of Tuesday's decision by the IOC to lift its suspension of the national Olympic committee. The body had been sanctioned for government interference.

Four Iraqi athletes - two rowers and two track and field competitors - are entered for Beijing.

The deadline for other sports has already passed, but Rogge said one or more Iraqis could still make it if other athletes withdraw due to injuries or other reasons.