A leading science and technology official of the Chinese capital said he is confident of kindling the Olympic torch on Mt. Qomolangma.

Ma Lin, director of the Beijing Science and Technology Commission, made the remarks in a live radio program Tuesday, known as Urban Zero Distance.

He noted that it would be a challenge to kindle the torch on Mt.Qomolangma, where the normal wind speed is about 17 meters per second and temperatures often dip below minus 30 degrees Celsius.

The outstanding problems include: whether the torch could be kindled, if the flame could be stably broadcast on TV, what to do about pollution caused by the combustion, and safety issues.

The commission had organized several scientific institutes to test the kindling process, with three successful trials.

Experts from Ma's commission have also conducted lab tests based on conditions of a maximum wind speed of 30 meters per second and a temperature of minus 45 degrees Celsius.

(Xinhua News Agency February 28, 2008)