Olympic torch starts Africa relay
The Olympic torch on Sunday set out on what was expected to be a relatively trouble-free relay in the Tanzanian capital Dar Es Salaam, the sole African leg of the flame's journey to Beijing.
By Agencies |
DAR ES SALAAM: The Olympic torch on Sunday set out on what was expected to be a relatively trouble-free relay in the Tanzanian capital Dar Es Salaam, the sole African leg of the flame's journey to Beijing.
Tanzanian Vice President Mohamed Shein lit the torch and handed it over to state minister Seif Khatib at the start of a five-kilometer relay in this Indian Ocean city.
"I am excited that Tanzania is only country out of 53 African nations to host the relay. This is a rare opportunity (for) our nation and a challenge for the government and the people to promote sports," Shein said.
"Tanzania unreservedly supports the Beijing Olympics," he said, referring to the tournament that has been plagued by protests over China's human rights record across the world, notably in Tibet.
"It is the occasion of a lifetime." While no pro-Tibet rallies were known to be planned in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, the original 25-kilometre (15-mile) torch relay was nevertheless scaled down to a two-hour five-kilometer (three miles) trail through the streets of the Tanzanian commercial capital.
Authorities said security was in alert mode along the relay's route. "I can assure you of maximum security, but you cannot rule out the existence of some madmen" said Dar es Salaam Mayor Adam Kimbisa.
Tanzanian Vice President Mohamed Shein lit the torch and handed it over to state minister Seif Khatib at the start of a five-kilometer relay in this Indian Ocean city.
"I am excited that Tanzania is only country out of 53 African nations to host the relay. This is a rare opportunity (for) our nation and a challenge for the government and the people to promote sports," Shein said.
"Tanzania unreservedly supports the Beijing Olympics," he said, referring to the tournament that has been plagued by protests over China's human rights record across the world, notably in Tibet.
"It is the occasion of a lifetime." While no pro-Tibet rallies were known to be planned in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, the original 25-kilometre (15-mile) torch relay was nevertheless scaled down to a two-hour five-kilometer (three miles) trail through the streets of the Tanzanian commercial capital.
Authorities said security was in alert mode along the relay's route. "I can assure you of maximum security, but you cannot rule out the existence of some madmen" said Dar es Salaam Mayor Adam Kimbisa.
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