Olympic torch receives warm welcome in Hong Kong
Friday, 02 May 2008 08:37
The torch will pass through Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong
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The Olympic torch has received a relatively warm welcome in Hong Kong today.
Tens of thousands of people lined the torch's route with little sign of the protests which have marred the flame's worldwide tour so far, the AFP news agency has reported.
The torch began its eight-hour route at the Cultural Centre in Kowloon and is due to finish at the Gold Bauhinia Square on Hong Kong Island, after crossing the Victoria Harbour, later today.
Kicking off the relay, Hong Kong chief executive Donald Tsang said: "We are a world in a city, where different people with different beliefs and different views have thrived in a spirit of diversity, tolerance and respect."
AFP claims that a handful of people were detained by police amid protests in support of Tibet but were later released.
Demonstrators worldwide have been using the torch's passage through 22 countries, from Athens to Beijing, as an opportunity to protest against China's human rights record and its handling of recent uprisings in Tibet.
The BBC reported that Hong Kong authorities positioned around 3,000 police officers along the torch's route today to prevent any major disruption.
The torch is due at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Games on August 8th.