"Stunning" Beijing wins rave review from IOC

BEIJING, May 18 (Reuters) Beijing received a rave review for their ''stunning'' venues and ''high quality'' organisation from the IOC on Thursday at the end of three-day inspection of preparations for the 2008 Olympic Games.

Hein Verbruggen, head of the IOC's coordination commission for the Beijing Games, also expressed confidence that the organisers would honour bid commitments on the environment and media freedom.

''We cannot think of any other word than stunning when we described the Olympic Stadium and the Aquatic Centre,'' he told a news conference.

''I think the Bird's Nest stadium will be the future icon of the city like the Opera House is for Sydney.'' The Dutchman said it was ''a pleasure'' to work with the Beijing Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG).

''As they move from the planning to the operational stage, we are extremely pleased with the way it is going. We are dealing with a high quality organising committee, really excellent people,'' he added.

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