Athens 2004 Torch Relay to Cross Through Balkans

ATHENS — Greece plans to take the 2004 Olympic torch relay through Italy, the Balkans and Cyprus as a symbol of peace, the government said on Thursday.
‘The Olympic flame has very strong symbolism,’ Deputy Sports Minister George Floridis told a news conference. ‘It can help our relations with these countries.’

The flame, to be lit from the sun’s rays in the ruins of ancient Olympia, would travel through some of the most bitter old Balkan foes on a mission of peace, he said.

Culture Minister Theodoros Pangalos said the torch would cross into Italy, Albania, the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia, Bulgaria, Turkey and Cyprus.

Greece also envisions cross-border artistic events during the relay, as part of its plans to hold a cultural Olympiad during the Games.

The plan for the trans-Balkan relay will be discussed with ministers from neighbouring countries at a meeting in northern Greece in August, Floridis said.

Reuters

Source: SOCOG