All details will be checked before the curtain of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics is lifted today on August 8.

Mr. Wang Wei, executive vice president and secretary general of the BOCOG, the organizing body, said at the press conference today that last minute preparations for the opening ceremony will focus on detailed connections of different items.

Transportation and security are high on the agenda. "A lot of things are being done to have appropriate control of the flow of people to make sure the opening ceremony is not exciting but also safe and pleasant," said Wang.

According to the weather forecast, there will be a light shower. The BOCOG has made contingency plans for weather conditions. The performance may be modified if there is heavy rain.

"Whatever happens, the opening ceremony will go on," said Wang.

He also recognized that although Beijing is ready in terms of hardware, things are far from perfect in terms of "software services." China is a developing country and Beijing is a developing city.

"We want to be perfect - but we can't fully reflect our enthusiasm and friendship to the people around the world. We've tried out best," he said.

By People's Daily Online