BEIJING:
There will be one policeman or armyman for every five visitors during the
Olympic Games in Beijing. The tight security apart, Chinese authorities have
decided to allow political activists to let off steam by designating certain
public parks far from the Games venue for the purpose of
demonstrations.
Liu Shaowu,
director of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games security
department, said BOCOG has taken note of dissatisfaction in certain circles who
feel too much security can kill the joy of the
Games.
"Olympic Games is a
large-scale sports event that we've never experienced. With huge number of
people coming to China, international terrorist forces are seeking chances.
Therefore, we have to intensify the security efforts," he
said.
"We've noticed certain
complaints. We'll pay attention and try our best to make the Games safe and
peaceful," Liu said.
Chinese
authorities have been worried that some of the athletes and a lot of the
visitors might use the opportunity to attract world attention by protesting over
issues like Tibet and human rights. Nearly 110,000 personnel, including
policemen, army troops and volunteers, will be deployed to ensure security. All
the necessary security equipment and personnel are all in place, he
said.
Flights will also be
halted at the Beijing airport during the opening ceremony time on August
8.