Beijing set for glory
China declared it was ready to stage one of the greatest Olympics from today amid human rights controversies. AFP said as the world’s best athletes poured into Beijing and the Olympic flame passed over the Great Wall, Games organisers sought to shift global attention on to what they promise will be a spectacular celebration of sport.
“We have prepared for the Beijing Olympics for seven years and now we are ready… we are very confident indeed that we will stage a successful Olympics,” organising committee spokesman Sun Weide told AFP. “Of course we hope that these will be a great Games, even the greatest,” he added.
For China, the Games are an opportunity to showcase itself to the world.
“China is a nation in transition, with a great future, tremendous potential and some challenges,” International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge was quoted saying after arriving in Beijing.
Meanwhile, AFP said China’s human rights record remained under a fierce Olympic spotlight with over 40 athletes who are due to compete in Beijing sending a letter to Chinese President Hu Jintao expressing their concern over the issue. US President George W. Bush has also arrived in Beijing after delivering a speech in which he raised “deep concerns” about China’s respect for human rights.
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