(ATR) The Turkish NOC and Mediterranean Games organizers moved quicklyto end speculation that anti-government rioting may threaten the stagingof the event opening in Mersin, next week.
In a statement issued Monday they claimed that the Mediterranean Games are "unaffected by the largely peaceful protests that have taken place in the Adana-Mersin area."
Organizers said a review of the anti-government unrest concluded there was "no elevated risk to the event participants".
"The safety and security of athletes and participants at Mersin 2013 has been our top priority from the very beginning," the statement said.
"Under the direction of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, we have worked hand-in-hand with all the necessary authorities and drawn on international best practice to create rigorous safety and security models to deal with all eventualities.
It added: "Turkey has an excellent safety and security record when it comes to major sporting events over the last decade, and athletes, officials and fans can be confident of experiencing those same high standards.
On Sunday, newly-built venues for the Mediterranean Games were opened by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Mersin organizers stepped in as hosts less than two years ago.
The June 20-30 Mediterranean Games will feature several thousand athletes from 24 countries who will compete in 27 sports. A total of 38 venues,including training facilities, are being used for the Games.
Prime Minsiter Erdogan is under mounting pressure amid a second night of violent protests in the capital Ankara against his government, which critics claim is becoming increasingly authoritarian.
On Sunday, Erdogan blasted the anti-government protesters in an address to supporters of his Justice and Development Party in the city’s Kizilay Square. "Those who do not respect this nation's party in power will pay a price," he was reported as saying.
His comments come on the heels of those from Istanbul 2020 leader Hasan Arat dismissing suggestions that the rioting will hurt the bid campaign.
Arat gave assurances to the three dozen or more IOC members present at the IOC/UN Forum on Sport Peace and Development in New York City last week. "This is a challenging moment for Turkey," he told ATR.
IOC President Jacques Rogge told reporters in New York City that the Turkish protests "will have no negative effects on Istanbul’s bid".
Reported by Mark Bisson
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