China State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Meng Jianzhu has urged all police forces and security departments for the upcoming Olympics to make safeguarding the Games their top priority.

Meng made the remark Wednesday while inspecting the security staff and facilities of the Olympic venues in Beijing.

He visited the National Stadium, or the "Bird's Nest" as it is known, the Aquatic Center, or the "Water Cube," and the Olympic Village. He urged tough and determined measures be taken to provide a safe environment of the Games slated for August 8-24.

Listening to reports by security officials at the Beijing Security Command Center, Meng stressed the security work was a fundamental and key factor for the success of the Games.

All public security organs and security staff at the venues should be aware of any situations that could possibly occur during the Games and make out detailed plans for those situations, he said.

Anti-terrorist, riot countermeasures and emergency handling should be the focus of the preparations, he said.

China launched an anti-terrorist exercise at the Olympic venue in the capital's neighbouring municipality of Tianjin Tuesday to test security forces' response to chemical attacks, explosive incidents and rumor spreading during the Games.

Some football preliminary matches will be held in Tianjin during the Games.

(Xinhua News Agency June 26, 2008)