"According to my knowledge, the preparations and arrangements for the Beijing Olympic Games are proceeding well as scheduled and the Chinese government, their people and athletes are doing their utmost for the grand sports event," said Kim. "I'm justified in believing that it will offer an unparalleled opportunity to further enhance China's international image and facilitate its development."

As Juan Antonio Samaranch, former president of the International Olympic Committee, deemed the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games as the most successful in history, said Kim, "I believe the Beijing Olympic Games will achieve unprecedented success in history."

Towards the end of the interview, the Olympic chief expressed his hope that the Beijing Olympic Games will impress the athletes and spectators from around the world with their orderly and pleasant atmosphere, adequate service and impartial judges.

The Olympic flame will head for Pyongyang, capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) following the conclusion of its 17th stopover in Seoul. It will be the first time for the torch to be relayed between the capitals of South Korea and the DPRK.

Kim pointed out the particular symbolic significance of such an arrangement, saying that the Olympic torch handover between south and north parts of the Korean Peninsula symbolizes peace, reconciliation and cooperation.

(Xinhua News Agency April 26, 2008)