IOC Rates Beijing Equal With Paris, Toronto in Contest for 2008 Summer Olympics
COLLEEN MCEDWARDS, CNN ANCHOR: The International Olympic Committee has set aside China's politics and human rights record and has rated Beijing equal with Paris and Toronto in bidding for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. The host city will be chosen by secret ballot in July. CNN's Beijing bureau chief Rebecca MacKinnon has some reaction now.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We are very confident that Beijing could organize excellent games.</s>REBECCA MACKINNON, CNN BEIJING BUREAU CHIEF (voice-over): That conclusion was based on a week-long visit to Beijing in February by 17 Olympic inspectors. The red carpet was laid out by China's leaders, and displays of mass enthusiasm appear to have paid off.</s>WANG HUI, BEIJING OLYMPIC BID COMMITTEE (through translator): We think the IOC was fair, and we are happy to hear the news. Beijing has made great improvements since our last bid to host the 2000 games. And no city can compare with us for public enthusiasm.</s>MACKINNON: That public enthusiasm was plainly in evidence as news spread of the IOC's report. "Of course, I'm very happy," says this woman. "Our lives and our living environment will improve faster if Beijing gets the Olympics." "We've been trying so hard for so long," says this man. "We can't bear to be disappointed a second time." As part of its bid, Beijing has already begun widening roads and improving its sewage system. But as the IOC noted, one drawback is that most of Beijing's Olympic venues have yet to be built. The biggest obstacle, however, comes from those who argue that China's human rights record make it unworthy as an Olympic host. Beijing bid officials insist that's unfair.</s>WANG (through translator): Many comments about Beijing made by the international media are not objective and fair. They don't really know Beijing.</s>MACKINNON (voice-over): Officials here realize they have a major public relations challenge. For the 2000 games, they faced it alone and lost. So this spring, Beijing decided to hire a major Western public relations firm in order to maximize its chances. (voice-over): Hoping better PR will make Beijing's dream of becoming an Olympic host come true. Rebecca MacKinnon, CNN, Beijing.