Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov said he hoped next week’s International Olympic Committee congress, where a new president and 2008 host city will be elected, will boost the city’s Olympic hopes.
Luzhkov said the meeting would not only pick a host city, but it will give impetus to Moscow’s prospective bid for the 2012 Games and plans to host a Formula One Grand Prix.
Luzkhov said, “after holding a successful first World Youth Games (in 1998), Moscow has every chance of hosting the adult Olympics. But so far (the 2012 Games) is just our wish, the wish of Muscovites, supported by our national Olympic committee and the state leadership”.
Luzkhkov said Moscow was “fully ready” to host the IOC session. About 4,000 police and security agents will be on hand to ensure the safety of more than 6,000 sporting officials that will descend on the city.
