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I am satisfied with security for Commonwealth Games, says Stephen Smith


Visiting Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith on Tuesday expressed “satisfaction” over security arrangements and the progress of construction of the venues for the 2010 Commonwealth Games to be held in New Delhi from October 4.

Talking to journalists after visiting the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the Capital and carrying out an inspection of the arrangements there, Mr. Smith said that he was satisfied with the preparations for the games, including the security aspect.

The Hindu quoted him, “I am very pleased to be advised that the facility would be ready on time. As I am here for the next couple of days, I will receive advice from my counterpart and officials on security coordination for the Commonwealth Games. Australia is very pleased with the coordination of security for the Commonwealth Games. We are pleased with the security for the Hockey World Cup and the recent Commonwealth Shooting Championship also.”

The Minister, who is going to watch the India-Australia Hockey match at the Dhyan Chand Stadium in the Capital, along with Human Resources Development Minister Kapil Sibal, said: “I am looking forward to the game [Tuesday night’s India-Australia hockey match].”

A release from the Australian High Commission said the teams have designated Tuesday’s tie as a friendship match and that apart from points in the tournament, they will also play for the Ajit Pal-Ric Charlesworth Trophy. The trophy has been named after two great hockey players of their countries.

Earlier, Mr. Smith met Union Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma.

This article was first published in THE HINDU, New Delhi, Dated 3 March 2010

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