China slams disruption of torch relay

BEIJING – China strongly condemned yesterday the disruption of the Olympic torch relay by Tibetan separatists and their supporters in London and Paris as it declared that nobody can impede the Olympic spirit.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu said the activities tarnish the lofty Olympic spirit and challenge people loving the Olympic Games around the world.

“We express our strong condemnation to the deliberate disruption of the Olympic torch relay by Tibetan separatist forces regardless of the Olympic spirit and the law of Britain and France,” Jiang said. “We are convinced that nobody can impede the Olympic spirit and the concept of ‘peace, friendship and progress’ represented by the Olympic torch.”

Jiang said that the Beijing Olympic Games is a “shared sports event for people worldwide” and the Olympic torch relay was completed safely in London and Paris on Sunday and Monday, respectively.

Reacting to reports that the Olympic torch was forced to be extinguished during the relay in Paris, Jiang said that the reports are false.

“To protect the security and dignity of the Olympic torch under the circumstances there, the modes of relay were temporarily changed. The torch relay in Paris has now been safely completed as scheduled,” he said.

The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) also condemned the attempts to disrupt the torch relay.

“We strongly condemn the actions of the few ‘pro-Tibet independence’ activists who have attempted to sabotage the Olympic Torch Relay. The Olympic flame belongs to the world and these actions are a serious violation of the Olympic spirit. They are bound to fail and will surely arouse the resentment of peace-loving people who support the Olympic Games,” BOCOG said.

BOCOG added that the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games is a great event not only for the Chinese people but for the world, and it is important in spreading the Olympic spirit, promoting Olympic culture and furthering the development of the Olympic Games.

“The Beijing Olympic Games not only enhances China’s understanding of the world, but it also enhances the world’s understanding of China. It deepens the friendship between countries, promoting peace, development and cooperation around the world,” BOCOG said.

Under the theme “Journey of Harmony,” the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay started its worldwide journey last April 1. The flame passed through Almaty in Kazakhstan, Istanbul in Turkey, St. Petersburg in Russia, London and Paris.

International Olympic Committee head Jacques Rogge expressed concern about the protests but he downplayed talk of a boycott of the Beijing Games.

“We’re definitely not happy with the protest. We respect the protest – there’s no doubt about that as long as they’re not violent,” Rogge said.

Rogge said unity of the Olympic movement is needed to help overcome the difficulties and the major responsibility is offering good games to the athletes who deserve them.

Rogge arrived in the Chinese capital to meet with officials from national Olympic committees and members of the IOC and for consultations ahead of the August Games.

Bird’s Nest spring

China’s National Stadium, popularly referred to as the “Bird’s Nest,” welcomes the onset of spring by the planting of trees and plants around the unique steel structure here.

Once the forestation work around the stadium is finished, Bird’s Nest, a stunning landmark, will have 2,742 newly planted trees and 77,000 square meters of new grass.

The £280-million National Stadium will host the Olympic opening and closing ceremonies, and other competitions.

Beijing also designed the stadium as a center for sports, cultural and creative activities after the Olympic games. Post-Olympic Games use is currently undergoing extensive planning.

Li Xinggang, chief designer for Bird’s Nest, witnessed the torch handover ceremony for the Beijing Olympic Torch at Panathenaikon Stadium in Athens, Greece, the birthplace of the Olympics, last March 30.

In 2003, Li took on the post of chief designer of the National Stadium. Li is a well-respected engineer and has been recognized by over 20 domestic and international construction organizations.

The Bird’s Nest will hold its first event this month, hosting the Good Luck Beijing 2008 IAAF Race Walking Challenge, the Good Luck Beijing 2008 Marathon and the Good Luck Beijing 2008 Athletics China Open.

The innovative structure was referred as the Bird’s Nest due to the web of twisting steel sections that form the roof. The 91,000-seat stadium was designed to incorporate elements of Chinese art and culture, but when the Olympics are finished the seating capacity will be reduced to 80,000.