Fed: PM and torch relay organisers at odds over Chinese role

AAP General News (Australia)
04-18-2008
Fed: PM and torch relay organisers at odds over Chinese role

CANBERRA, April 18 AAP - Kevin Rudd and organisers of the only Australian leg of the
Olympic torch relay are at odds over what role Chinese officials will play in the event
next week.

The prime minister is insisting the officials - known as "flame attendants" but believed
to be para-military officers - will remain on a bus following the relay participants along
a 20km route through central Canberra.

But organisers say three of the six Chinese officials will actually run with the torch.

Mr Rudd says he has been advised all the officials will remain in the bus unless they
are required to re-light the torch should it be extinguished.

"My understanding is that the Chinese torch attendants will play zero role ... in the
provision of any security," he told Fairfax Radio Network.

"We are providing security here. This is our country, we provide the security - end of story."

Chairman of the Canberra relay task force, Ted Quinlan, says three Chinese flame attendants
will handle the torch at changeover points of the relay.

They would help light the new torch, extinguish the old one, then escort relay runners
back to a support bus, he said.

The three other officials will travel in the support bus to act as back-up if the flame
attendants tired, Mr Quinlan said.

"That's what's been worked out between the Chinese and our police," he told ABC Radio.

Mr Quinlan confirmed the Chinese officials would not have any security role.

"When and if push comes to shove, these people are required by our arrangement to stay
out of any fracas, and in fact, to retreat to the support bus behind them."

Mr Quinlan says he does not know if the Chinese officials will be the same blue tracksuit-clad
security guards who accompanied the torch in London and Paris.

It would be acceptable to the ACT if the officials had a military or police background, he said.

The relay will be run next Thursday (April 24) after the torch arrives in Canberra
the day before.

Security along the route is being beefed up following chaotic scenes in centres where
pro-Tibet protesters have attempted to disrupt the relay.

Up to 5,000 pro-China supporters are expected to witness the Canberra leg along with
an unknown number of pro-Tibet protesters.

AAP ca/rl/jfm/mn

KEYWORD: OLY08 FLAME AUST DAYLEAD

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