Delegates from the fifth Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting
(ASEP), which is being held in Beijing, expressed yesterday their fervent hope
and good wishes for 2008 Beijing Olympic Games at the occasion of the 50-day
countdown to the games.
British MP John Whittingdale, chairman of Culture, Media and Sport Committee
of the House of Commons of the UK, said the Olympic Games are the world's
greatest sporting event.
"We in England, obviously, are looking at Beijing very closely because we
will take over from you as the next host country. Two days ago I met with some
British athletes, they are looking forward very much to the Games, and we are
hopeful that we will do well."
Vu Viet Ngoan, vice-chairman of the Economic Committee of Vietnamese National
Assembly, said "As an Asian, I am very proud for China to host such a grand
gathering. Through the media, I understand that China has been well prepared for
the Olympic Games and I very much hope that I will come to Beijing again to
witness this great event."ĪK
Yiannakis K. Thoma from Cyprus said "I believe the Beijing Olympic Games will
be as remarkable as the history of the Olympic Games, I believe that the Beijing
Olympic Organizing Committee will spare no effort to host successful Olympic
Games."
Leenor Coutinho, vice president of foreign affairs community in Portuguese
parliament, said, "I believe it will be an important event in which the athletes
from all over the world will compete fairly with the spirit of Olympics."
Jose Ramon Beloki Guerra from Spanish Parliament said "To successfully
organize the 29th Olympic Games will be a great achievement for China. For all
participants, it is very important to achieve excellent results with fair
competition."
Claude BIRRAUX, chairman of the French Parliamentary Office for Scientific
and Technological Assessment believes Olympic Games is a great event involving
both competition and friendship, which provides a platform for more open
exchanges and understanding between different countries.
According to the meeting arrangements, delegates will visit some Olympic
venues such as the National Stadium, nicknamed "Bird's Nest" and National
Aquatics Center, also knows as "Water Cube" Friday afternoon.