Politicians Urge Monti to Back Rome 2020; Doha Logo Launch; Economic Boost for Istanbul

(ATR) The leaders of Italy's three main political parties are calling for prime minister Mario Monti to sign government guarantees backing the Rome 2020 bid.

Italian TV news program TG5 reported statements of support from Pierluigi Bersani, Angelino Alfano and Pierferdinando Casini, who head the People's Freedom Party (PDL), Democratic Party (PD) and Central Democratic Union.

Confindustria, Italy's confederation of employers, and the Italian Confederation of Workers' Unions have also weighed in with their support for a Rome Olympic bid, saying that a 2020 bid could boost the economy and help lift the country out of its financial malaise.

Monti is considering postponing Rome's 2020 bid to 2024 due to the ongoing debt crisis in Italy.

The political parties make up 75 percent of parliament and provide key support to the Monti government. They are backing the appeal by 60 top Italian athletes that appeared in national newspapers Wednesday.

"Yes to the Rome bid as long as the Games do not take on elements of gigantism," said PD leader Bersani. "The capital offers an inimitable location, so yes to the bid, as long as the Games are in moderation."

The other political leaders also stressed budgetary caution in urging Monti to sign the guarantees necessary for Rome's applicant file, which is due for submission to the IOC next Wednesday.

PDL chief Alfani added: "It's right to promote sport and understanding between people, but this can also be done with prudence, which is what this difficult time requires of all of us."

Casini said similar: "As there is often ambiguity in politics, let's be absolutely clear: we cannot spend a lot of money."

The heavyweight political backing has provided encouragement for Italian Olympic Committee president Gianni Petrucci.

After the approval Wednesday afternoon from Bersani, Alfano and Casini, he said all that was missing was Monti's signature.

"We believe that there is still enough time. I am a realist, not an optimist, and we have done everything we needed to do," he was quoted by Agenzia Giornalistica Italia.

Confindustria's president Emma Marcegaglia toldthe Italian news agency that the Olympic bid was "a unique opportunity".

"In such difficult times, [a successful bid] could act as a driver for the economy, bolstering investments. We need to show the world that we are up to the challenge and that we can deliver."

Monti returns from a trip to the U.S. on Saturday but is not expected to speak about the Olympic bid until Monday, just two days before the IOC deadline for applicant files.

Doha Prepares for Logo Launch

Noora Al Mannai, CEO of Doha’s bid, will unveil the logo, slogan and official website at an event in the Museum of Islamic Art Park on Friday.

The launch forms part of the 5th edition of Reach Out toAsia Foundation’s Wheels ‘n’ Heels – Qatar’s largest community event for sport activities and healthy living.

Around the Rings will provide on-the-scene reporting from the logo launch.

Economic Boost for Istanbul

The Turkish government is set to release strong economic data in the next few days that will provide a boost for Istanbul's Olympic aspirations.

The figures will be backed by a statement from the International Monetary Fund.

The Istanbul bid tells Around the Rings it's on track with plans to submit its applicant file to the IOC next week. A bid website is expected to go live soon after Feb. 15.

Madrid Promotes Olympic Campaign

Madrid 2020 has launched the first of four promotional campaigns in the city to raise awareness of its Olympic ambitions.

The main streets of the Spanish capital have been decorated with around 1,500 flags featuring the bid's new logo, a design built around the city's famous Alcala Gate.

Madrid 2020 said the aim of the campaign, which runs through Feb. 29, is to involve its citizens in this Olympic bid process.

Reported by Mark Bisson

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