Officials condemn attacks on Olympic torch

　　BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Officials in a number of countries have expressed their opposition to the disruption of the Olympic torch relay, saying it goes against the Olympic spirit and people’s wishes for peace.

　　Singaporean Foreign Minister George Yeo said it is a matter to be regretted that torchbearers were harassed by some protestors, Singapore's newspaper Lianhe Zaobao reported Tuesday.

　　Even in war time, ancient Greeks would lay down weapons and participate in the Olympic competitions with the spirit of freedom and peace, he added.

　　Aldons Vrublevskis, president of the Latvian Olympic Committee, said Monday that due to the Chinese government's active and efficient preparations, it is groundless to doubt whether the Beijing Olympic Games will be held successfully.

　　Vrublevskis, who attended the 16th general assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees in Beijing earlier this month, said all participants at the meeting had witnessed the Chinese people's anticipation for the Olympics.

　　He said he opposes any violent activity, including attacks and threats against Olympic torchbearers.

　　Some forces made use of the Tibet issue to sabotage the Olympics and put on a "political show" just on the eve of the grand sports event, Vrublevskis said, adding that it is an "organized and premeditated act."

　　Belarussian Sports Minister Alexander Grigorov said Tuesday that his country opposes some politicians' proposals to boycott the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games.

　　"Belarus trusts that the Beijing Olympic Games will be a success and an opportunity for boosting friendship among world people," he told the opening ceremony of an exhibition in the Belarussian capital of Minsk for the Olympics.