Chinese Ambassador to the United States Zhou Wenzhong said on Wednesday that the Olympic torch relay in San Francisco was "successful" under enthusiastic reception of the American public, including the Chinese Americans and overseas Chinese.

"The Olympics belongs to all, and the Olympic torch carries and passes around the Olympic spirit and advocates peace, friendship, harmony and cooperation," the ambassador said in a statement.

In disregard of the spirit of the Olympic Charter, a handful of forces attempted to disrupt the Olympic Games in Beijing, undermine China-U.S. relationship and denigrate China's image. Such unpopular action is doomed to fail, he said.

Meanwhile, the ambassador expressed appreciations to the City of San Francisco, the relevant departments of the U.S. federal government and the U.S. Olympic Committee for all they have done for the relay.

"My appreciations also go to the people of San Francisco and the United States for their warm support, and the Chinese Americans, overseas Chinese and students for their enthusiastic participation and enormous efforts," he added.

Zhou expressed the belief that the sacred flames of the Olympics will continue to burn brighter, the Olympic Games in Beijing will be a complete success and the Olympic spirit will be carried forward.

(Xinhua News Agency April 10, 2008)