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Beijing asked to slow down
http://www.sina.com.cn 2004/08/13 14:10  Shanghai Daily

  In contrast to Athens' down-to-the-wire preparations, organizers of the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing are slowing their vigorous construction timetable at the request of the International Olympic Committee - but still plan to have all venues ready a year ahead of time.

  IOC President Jacques Rogge said yesterday the request for a delay - suggested primarily as an economizing measure - was unprecedented.

  "Usually, it's the other way around," he said, alluding to the IOC's exhortations to Athens and some previous host cities to speed up slow-moving construction.

  Beijing has planned to complete venue construction by the end of 2006, but the IOC Coordination Commission for the 2008 Olympic Games said yesterday that "this is very ambitious and perhaps even a bit too early."

  Hein Verbruggen, chairman of the coordination commission, said: "We should not forget that venues would then be ready 20 months before the Games and this might turn out to be rather expensive, in terms of maintenance and with a limited use during such a long period."

  Verbruggen said in his report to the 116th IOC Session that to slow down venue construction would limit costs and expenses that is fully in line with the cost-control principle adopted by the IOC since 2002.

  "Venue construction should be finished at least one year before August 2008 when the Games will take place," said Verb-ruggen.

  Liu Jingmin, executive vice president of the Beijing organizing committee, agreed with Verbruggen.

  "Venue construction should be completed at a right time, neither too early nor too late," he said.

  Liu told a news conference in Athens that organizers would take the opportunity to re-evaluate venues already under construction - including the 100,000-seat national stadium - and those not yet under construction.

  "There will be some small changes to individual projects," Liu said. "All will be done by 2007 to allow time for proper testing."

  Liu said the changes would not push the budget over the planned ceiling of US$2 billion for new venues.

  In its proposal to host the Summer Games, Beijing indicated it would have the venues ready by 2006. But IOC Vice President Kevin Gosper said the IOC commission working with the organizers felt this timetable was creating an unnecessary financial squeeze.

  Liu disclosed that China will offer an eight-minute performance at the Athens closing ceremonies on August 29, at which Beijing's mayor will take possession of the Olympic flag.

  The theme would be "From Olympia to the Great Wall," the Chinese official added.

  (AP/Xinhua)




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