Beijing has the confidence, facility and capability to host a successful Olympic Games in the year of 2008, said Beijing mayor Liu Qi in Lausanne Wednesday, December 13.

Liu made the pledge when the delegation from the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Bid Committee met with the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to give its presentations in support of hosting the games.

Liu and the delegates stressed a number of issues that Beijing feels are crucial in hosting the Olympic games: the ability to provide superior, reliable transportation systems; to incorporate state-of-the-art technology into all aspects of the games; and to place a strong emphasis on protecting and improving environment.

"New Beijing, Great Olympics" is the promise of Beijing's bid. According to the Beijing bid committee, this promise is reflected and supported by three major themes: Green Olympics, Hi-tech Olympics and People's Olympics.

The local citizens in Beijing have welcomed the idea of Green Olympics. A non-profit, private organization called Global Village of Beijing initiated an environmental campaign, which has up to now attracted 830,000 families.

Meanwhile, the Beijing city government has been implementing its environment management program involving US$13 billion. This program, from 1998 to 2007, will generate enormous awareness and mass participation that might go beyond the boundaries of Beijing and China, reaching the whole world ultimately.

Beijing is at the forefront of the global changes in technology and telecommunications. The city now ranks as one of the fastest growing markets for wireless applications and Internet penetration.

The computer technology has advanced remarkably on the basis of international trade, research and development in China's vast consumer market as well as the innovation produced by the private sector.

What's more, fiber optics and satellite communications systems are in place for all the requirements of international broadcasters.

With over 400 million youths in China, everyone is excited and ready to engage with the Olympic movement. Intensive programs on languages and cultural training are already in place for the people of Beijing.

The Beijing bid has the support not only from the Chinese government, but also from 90 percent of the Chinese people, whose dreams are as simple as the theme "New Beijing, Great Olympics", according to the Beijing delegation.

As for the Olympic Green, has been reserved exclusively for this purpose since the 1990s, where 14 venues will be available for hosting 15 sports. Inside the Green, the Olympic Village will be a state-of-the-art residential area in Beijing. Hi-tech and advanced transportation will be combined with peaceful, green surroundings.

The Beijing delegation has promised that it will dedicate resources to make the 2008 Games an enduring legacy.

??People's Daily 12/13/2000??