Fuente: © Beijing 2008
http://en.beijing-2008.org/

BEIJING 2008:Olympic security work in full swing

/noticias.info/ Beijing's commitment to ensure the safety of all athletes and spectators at the Games was assured by Liu Shaowu, director of BOCOG Security Department, at a press conference at the Main Press Center (MPC) on Wednesday.

Among several points he spoke about, Liu discussed the security coordination group, set up at the national level to ensure effective command, as well as the extensive framework of agencies and departments at city and venue levels for efficient relaying of information.

The elaborate security plans he outlined for the media included the Strategic Plan on Security of the Beijing Olympic Games and Security Operations Guidelines of the Beijing Olympic Games, both of which have been approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In addition, 54 master plans and 900 specific implementation plans, covering all aspects of Games security, have been tested and are continually being refined and implemented. Also, the development of the Olympic Security Sci-tech Information System, based on the existing system used by the Chinese police and the national defense industry, has been tried successfully. Suggestions made by international experts have been considered and guidelines introduced at China-hosted international conferences have been highly valued as China seeks to make their security system world-class by the August Games.

In terms of venue construction, engineers were careful to build into the design related features to ensure security, including surveillance and alarm systems. Not surprisingly, x-ray machines and 24-hour guards and patrols will be present at all competition and non-competition venues. Liu added that 110,000 soldiers will be the backbone of the security force during the Games.

All employees and volunteers have undergone intense training regarding security work, going through drills and test runs to ensure familiarity with procedures ahead of the Games.

Liu stressed that education of the public was a necessity, as Beijing will be relying on its citizens to comply with rules set for a harmonious Games.

One reporter questioned the security measures, pointing out that many foreigners and Chinese regard the increased efforts excessive. Liu emphasized that all regulations, including added and tighter security measures, are in line with IOC guidelines and have been practiced in previous Games. These efforts are necessary, he stated, for the assurance of public safety throughout the city, and have received much support from understanding Beijingers.

It was obvious that public demonstrations and protests are of much concern to the media representatives, as the issue of how Beijing would handle these potentially sticky situations was raised several times. "Will Chinese citizens and foreigners be allowed to hold peaceful protests outside the Olympic venues, for example, at Wangfujing or Chang'an Avenue if they hold up a sign or a banner, about an issue, either about Chinese internally or about China's foreign policy? Would that be considered against the security policy?" asked one reporter.

Liu responded by pointing out Chinese laws on assembly and demonstration, drawing attention to "clear procedures for the application and conduct of such demonstrations." Thus, those that wish to express their views during the Games must apply and have their gathering approved by higher authorities, after which their rights of participation will be protected by the Chinese government.

"The places for their demonstrations must be made clear in the application, and during the Games-time, we must secure a good flow of traffic and good environment and also good social order. So generally speaking, we will invite those participants to demonstrate their demonstration in designated places and also this is a common practice in other countries," Liu added. Several pre-approved parks in Beijing have already been designated for lawful demonstrations. Details regarding rules and requirements for applications will be explained by personnel more related to these tasks, Liu said.

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