French President Calms Paris Olympic Bid Security Fears

(ATR) Francois Hollande says France is fighting terrorism and security concerns should not influence the IOC vote on the 2024 Olympics.

"Every single country is threatened by terrorism. No city or region can believe they are safe," Hollande said in response to an ATR question at a Paris 2024 press conference on Rio Olympic Park.

"We have to fight against terrorism and that is exactly what we are doing right now. It is true we have been challenged because of the attacks. We have fought a few wars.

"In 2024 I hope we will have won the fight."

His comments come in the wake of the Bastille Day truck attack in Nice in July which killed more than 80 people and the killing of a Catholic priest in Normandy around 75 miles northwest of Paris. Last November, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks in Paris linked to Islamic State killed 130 people.

The IOC Session votes on the 2024 Olympic host in 13 months time. Budapest, Los Angeles and Rome are the other contenders.

Hollande was pressed on the security question several times, but claimed there were no major incidents during this summer’s UEFA European Championships. "We have learned how to best protect ourselves," he said.

He was asked why should the IOC award the Olympics to Paris when other cities don’t suffer from the same terror threats.

"We are not asking for any kind of compassion The world wished to work with us in solidarity. These were not attacks that happened as part of international events," he said.

"All cities will have to protect themselves. The threat is here and it will not disappear overnight in this world."

Holland’s appearance at the Rio Olympic Park for Paris 2024 was flagged as a big display of governmental support for the bid, which has a very different complexion from the failed 2012 effort.

Looking and sounding relaxed, Hollande shared the stage with Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, co-chairman Tony Estanguet, CEO Etienne Thobois and two athletes.

The French president, who met with IOC chief Thomas Bach on Friday morning, underlined the government’s support but remarked on how the sports movement was leading the bid. This is in stark contrast to the 2012 Olympic mission.

Noting the success of Euro 2016 football tournament, the French Open and numerous other sporting events, he said France had the "true know-how in hosting". He said Paris 2024 had learned from previous Games such as London 2012, with officials set to benefit from their Rio experience.

France is bidding for a fourth Olympics since 1995, Estanguet noted.

"We have listened and learned after every bid, improving plans, increasing our investment in sport. We have now come back better and stronger," he said.

Mayor Hidalgo told reporters the bid was "extremely united".

"The best postcard for Paris 2024 is the performance of athletes right here in Rio 2016," she said.

Thobois told the news conference that Rio 2016 would be a "fantastic learning experience aimed at creating the most compelling Games concept for athletes, the Olympic family and general public".

Reported by Mark Bisson

20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is AroundTheRings.com, for subscribers only.