Fed: PM and torch relay organisers at odds over Chinese role

AAP General News (Australia)
04-18-2008
Fed: PM and torch relay organisers at odds over Chinese role

KEVIN RUDD and organisers of the only Australian leg of the Olympic torch relay are
at odds over what role Chinese officials will play in the event next week.

The prime minister is insisting the torch attendants .. believed to be para-military
officers .. will remain on a bus following the relay through Canberra.

Mr RUDD has told Fairfax Radio the only reason they'll be allowed off the bus is if
the torch is extinguished and has to be lit again.

But chairman of the Canberra relay taskforce .. TED QUINLAN .. says three flame attendants
will handle the torch at changeover points of the relay.

He's told ABC Radio the three other officials will travel in the support bus to act as back-up.

And Mr QUINLAN says it WOULD be acceptable to the ACT if the officials have a military
or police background.

AAP RTV ca/rl/af/bart

KEYWORD: OLY08 FLAME (CANBERRA)

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