AMSTERDAM, June 5: A two-day European Olympics meeting started in a somber mood here Friday, with delegates vowing to apply "surgical ruthlessness” in repairing the disgraced world sporting movement and implementing' an ethical code for sport, reports AP.

Secretary-General Mario Pescante of the European Olympic movement urged the leaders of 48 European Olympic Committees to meet their responsibilities and overcome "the most difficult moments in the history of the Olympic movement.

"I cannot help but feel embarrassed when presenting a report on 'regular' activities while the Olympic world is rocked by events that have deeply shaken us," he said. As examples. Pescante and others highlighted the bribery scandal at the Salt Lake City games and the Tour de France doping affair.

During the annual meeting, which runs through Saturday, members will attempt to agree on a code of ethical conduct for sporting events at home as well as for the Olympics.

On Friday, member countries presented annual reports of their activities and opened seminars on doping, ethics and the upcoming games in Sydney. Salt Lake City and Athens.

"The IOC must now respond with surgical ruthlessness and must create new standards all around... The work of the IOC 2000 commission and the ethical commission must totally exclude self interest and other vested interests," said Peadar Casey,