The Beijing Olympic torch is scheduled to arrive in San Francisco April 9 on the sixth leg of its global journey outside China. The local government and other organizations are making final preparations to ensure the safety of the event and guard against possible disruption.

San Francisco Mayor Garvin Newsom met Chinese Ambassador to the United States Zhou Wenzhong on April 7 to discuss safety issues regarding the torch relay. A local TV station reported Mr Newsom's spokesman as saying they agreed to prevent disruptions similar to those that took place during the London and Paris relays.

Despite the incidents in Paris and London, Newsom promised that the torch relay will go ahead as planned in San Francisco, but said local government and police reserved the right to alter the route if necessary.

Newsom said he is confident the authorities will be able to ensure safety during the event. In an interview with Xinhua, he said that local police have previous experience of directly participating in torch relays and are capable of handling possible disruption and sabotage.

The US Department of State is working with San Francisco officials on security measures for the event, the department's spokesman told an April 7 press conference.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the San Francisco Police Department has cancelled leave for over 2000 policemen on April 9 and will draft in California Highway patrolmen to beef up security.

(China.org.cn April 9, 2008)