(ATR) Around the Rings is told the atmosphere in Mersin for the Mediterranean Games is "very positive" with no indication that any anti-government protests will disrupt today’s opening ceremony in the southern Turkish city.
Fears of demonstrations against Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s had raised security concerns in the last two weeks, as protests spread from Istanbul to Mersin. Organizers gave the all-clear last week, saying there was no elevated risk to athletes competing at the Games.
Speaking to ATR from Mersin, French Olympic Committee president Denis Masseglia said the only scenes of protest were those on television showing demonstrators in Istanbul.
"But in Mersin we have no problems. It’s totally secure. All is in place for the opening ceremony," he said.
"There’s a very positive atmosphere."
He said there was no indication that security had been beefed up for 17th edition of the Games that will host around 6,000 athletes from 24 countries. The sports program includes 32 events, which will be staged in Mersin and neighboring Adana.
Residents speaking to Turkish media also say the city is peaceful ahead of the Games.
"Anti-Erdogan protests? We had them here and there are some but they have never been violent here," one unnamed resident told the ANSA news agency.
"Mersin is a calm, predominantly Christian city. Here they protest with saucepans and horns."
Despite reported concerns about delays in Games preparations, in particular construction of the Olympic Village, Masseglia claimed it was in good shape.
Masseglia, who wasre-elected head of the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) last month, acknowledged the "very delicate challenge" that Mersin faced after plans to hold the event in the Greek cities of Volos and Larissa were dropped in 2011 because of the country’s financial crisis.
"It’s very important to say that it was not so easy. Despite the situation, all seems ready and very well organized," he said.
A total of 52 venues including 11 new facilities will be used.
The Turkish PM and IOC president Jacques Rogge will open the Games in a ceremony at the 25,000-seat Mersin Stadium at 20:30 local time.
Istanbul 2020 Olympic bid leaders are hoping the June 20 to 30 Games will showcase the country’s major event capabilities.
Successful staging of the multi-sport event is seen as critical to improving the city’s riot-hit image ahead of the bid cities’ briefing to IOC members in two weeks time.
In the first action of the Games, basketball started on Tuesday with football and water polo on Wednesday. The Serbian men's basketball team won the first event, beating Italy 77-64.
Reported by Mark Bisson.
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