http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23505017-2,00.html


Security for Olympic torch relay in Canberra reviewed

April 08, 2008 10:15am

SECURITY for the Olympic torch relay through Canberra is being reviewed after violent protests as the flame was carried through Paris early today.

ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said he was deeply concerned over the protests during both the London and Paris legs of the torch relay.

He said the proposed Canberra route was being reassessed in light of chaotic scenes in Paris overnight and London the day before when pro-Tibetan protests disrupted the relay.

The Olympic flame was repeatedly taken on and off a bus in Paris - forcing it to be extinguished for safety reasons - as it made its way along a 28km route protected by Chinese security, motorcycle outriders, jogging firefighters and police on rollerblades.

Mr Stanhope hoped it would not come to that in Canberra on April 24 during the only Australian leg of the relay.

I haven\'t slipped to that level of despair yet, he said on ABC radio.

I haven\'t got to the point of despairing that the relay won\'t be a wonderful celebration of the Olympic games, the Olympic spirit.

The torch will be carried through Canberra by five Australian of the Year winners as well as sporting and community identities.

Mr Stanhope said organisers were reviewing security.

I met ACT Policing a week or so ago and the torch and security arrangements were being actively reviewed and updated on the basis of the most recent intelligence, he said.

There is no doubt that the event, the nature of the protest in both London and Paris would heighten our concern about the level of security that we will need to apply here in the ACT.