Chirac affirms full support for French Olympic bid

French President Jacques Chirac affirmed on January 4 "full support" of the French government to Paris bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games.

"More than a century after its resurrection by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, France is ready to become once again the country of the Olympics," said Chirac, when receiving the New Year's greeting from Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe.

"France is ready for this magical festival where all the nations in the world come together to take each other on and to beat each other but not in an aggressive sense," he said.

The decision on which city will host the 2012 Olympic Games will be made on Jul. 6 in Singapore, among Paris, London, Madrid, Moscow and New York.

"We have another six months to win the debate and I am hoping ardently that we win. We have all the qualities to do so," Chirac said.

Chirac listed Paris' qualities as an exceptional capacity for welcoming people from abroad, a history, a cultural legacy and a tourist attraction unique to the world and the capacity to organize large sporting international events.

From now to Jul. 6, "we have to mobilize all our energy to ensure the success of Paris and France," he said.

Source: Xinhua