Olympic torch receives warm welcome from Tanzania
The Olympic torch will complete a short tour of Dar es Salaam today
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Sunday, 13, Apr 2008 02:27
The Olympic torch has arrived in Dar es Salaam for the next leg of its round the world journey prior to the start of the Beijing Games.
Officials from Tanzania welcomed the torch's arrival and said they wanted to "follow in the footsteps of Buenos Aires" where there were few signs of any protest.
The Olympic flame has been targeted by campaigners in Europe and America seeking to highlight China's human rights record.
Consequently security was high when the flame arrived at Dar es Salaam airport having made its way from Argentina last night.
The planned 15-mile route that the torch was to have taken was removed some days ago, despite no indications that there would be any anti-China demonstrations along the way.
Instead the torch will travel just five miles within the commercial district of Tanzania's largest city later today.
The mayor of Dar es Salaam, Adam Kimbisa, is sure the Tanzanian leg of the journey will pass peacefully.
Mr Kimbisa said: "It is a great honour and privilege for Tanzania to host this torch. Don't worry, all preparations are all set."
Tanzania is the only African country which will host the torch and the next stop for the Olympic flame on its world tour will be in Muscat, Oman tomorrow.