DPRK attaches great importance to torch relay in Pyongyang

by Zhang Binyang, Gao Haorong

PYONGYANG, April 26 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) attaches great importance to the upcoming torch relay in Pyongyang, a "very important warming-up of the Beijing Olympic Games," the country's newly-selected Olympic chief has said.

"The torch relay...will help popularize the concepts and spirits of the Olympics and arouse public attention to the Games," said Park Hak Seon, chairman of the DPRK's National Olympic Committee.

He made the remarks at a recent meeting with Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Liu Xiaoming, one of the many contacts between officials from the two sides made these days to ensure a safe and successful torch relay in this DPRK capital.

What Park said just reveals the eager anticipation of the DPRK people to the torch relay in Pyongyang. It is the first time for the Olympic flame to come to the DPRK.

On April 12, the National Olympic Committee of the DPRK voiced support to the Beijing Olympic torch relay and condemned disruptions against it in some cites.

As China's friendly neighbor, the whole DPRK, from its top leader to the rank and file, has extended earnest support and best wishes to the Beijing Olympic Games and shown ardent zeal to the torch relay.

"China to hold the Olympic Games reflects its increasing national power. It is not only the pride of the Chinese people, but also the glory belonging to the people of Asia and the world as a whole," DPRK top leader Kim Jong Il said while visiting the Chinese embassy in March.

Kim expressed his best wishes for the successful Beijing Olympic Games and a successful torch relay in Pyongyang.

Kao Chol Ho, executive secretary of the Secretary Bureau of the National Olympic Committee of the DPRK, told Xinhua that the DPRK people, who have a traditional friendship with China, are glad to see the Olympic Games held in Beijing and the upcoming torch relay in Pyongyang.

The Beijing Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (BOCOG) and the National Olympic Committee of the DPRK started discussions and consultations on the Olympic torch relay in Pyongyang last July.

They signed the Olympic Torch Relay Service Contract on Dec. 7,2007. From then on, concentrated preparations of the torch relay have been going on smoothly.

The National Olympic Committee of the DPRK and Pyongyang's municipal government set up a special committee to prepare for the torch relay, under which several panels were established in charge of respective issues, including security and logistics.

Meanwhile, BOCOG officials paid several visits to Pyongyang and had discussions with their DPRK counterparts over details of the relay.

The preparatory committee had convened meetings time after time to coordinate relevant departments involved in the torch relay, said Lim Nam Sik, manager of the Kim Il Sung Stadium, the finishing point of the activity in Pyongyang. He also expressed confidence over the success of the torch relay.

A spokesman for the committee also said the preparation for the torch relay in Pyongyang entered into the final phase, adding that the event "will take place in the most secure and smooth manner as planned in the DPRK."

The DPRK has also given great consideration to the selection of torchbearers.

Fifty-six torchbearers, including 44 men and 12 women, were selected more than a month ago in accordance with the standard set by BOCOG. They represent a wide social spectrum of athletes, coaches, officials, workers and students.

Among them are Pak Do Ik, a former player of the DPRK's national football team, and Chong Song Ok, who was entitled as "Marathon Queen" by the DPRK media.

Chong said she was very proud to be a torchbearer and wished good luck to the Beijing Olympic Games.

The route for the torch relay was elaborately arranged, covering the city's main streets and most of the iconic places. The roads were under renovation and reconstruction to show their best faces for the event.