The Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games will fully consider the will of the Taiwan compatriots when designing the roadmap of the Olympic torch relay, to enable them to share the joy and glory brought about by the Olympic sacred flame.

This remark was made by Li Weiyi, spokesman of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council at a regular press conference on Tuesday.

Li noted that the compatriots of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, as well as the overseas Chinese, had given all-out support to Beijing's Olympic bid, and that the hosting of the Olympic Games is a grand event for the entire Chinese nation.

"Therefore, the will and interests of everyone will be fully considered," he added.

Chinese President Hu Jintao had welcomed the Taiwan compatriots to participate in the construction of stadiums for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, as well as in other commercial activities relating to the Games, when he met with Taiwan businessmen during a recent inspection tour of southeast China's Fujian Province, said Li.

"We welcome Taiwan athletes to compete in the 2008 Olympic Games, and also welcome other Taiwan compatriots to come and serve as volunteers for the Games," Li added.

Source: Xinhua