Beijing is prepared to handle all security threats and has both the confidence and capability to host a safe Olympics, a BOCOG official said yesterday.

"We are confident and capable of holding a safe Olympic Games under the leadership of the Chinese government and with the help of the international community," media official Sun Weide said.

In response to a question about the suspected terrorist attack that killed 16 border police in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region on Monday, Sun said security is the "foundation and a key part" of a successful Olympic Games.

China has established an Olympic security coordination group that involves all relevant government departments, and has adopted essential, effective security measures in accordance with international practice and Chinese laws, Sun said.

On Monday, the United States condemned the attack in Xinjiang, saying the US was saddened at the loss of life and injuries caused by the attack.

"We strongly condemn acts of violence such as the Aug 4 attack in Kashgar (Kashi). We're saddened at the loss of life and injuries caused by the attack and extend our condolences to the victims and their families," State Department Spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos, said in response to a question at a daily news briefing.

Also, in a communique issued by the Spanish foreign ministry on Monday, the government expressed its "strongest condemnation of this severe attack".

Spain also stressed its "radical condemnation of terrorism in any shape or form."

(Xinhua News Agency August 6, 2008)