Special report: 2008 Olympic Games     

·"I never saw a village like this. It is outstanding," said Rogge.

·"By all accounts, especially the athletes, the village is the best ever," Rogge said.

·The Village is a 66-hectare compound for about 16,000 athletes and their entourage.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge speaks at his first press conference in Beijing, Aug. 2.  (Xinhuanet Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge said here on Saturday the Beijing Olympic Village was the best ever and he also piled praises on the Games organization.

    "I had the privilege to reside in the Olympic Village since the 1968 Mexico Games, and I never saw a village like this. It is outstanding," said Rogge at his first press conference in Beijing.

    The Olympic Village, which opened on July 27, is a 66-hectare compound for about 16,000 athletes and their entourage.

Photo taken on Aug. 2, 2008 shows the night view of the Olympic Village in Beijing, China. (Xinhua/Zhang Guojun) Photo Gallery>>>

    "By all accounts, especially the athletes, the village is the best ever," he said after touring the compound on Friday.

    Rogge, who arrived in Beijing on Thursday, also reiterated his confidence in the Games success.

    "The venues are ready and have produced about 37 tests events...we have absolutely no concern for the organization," he said.

    "I'm sure that on Aug. 9th, the day after the opening ceremony, the magic of the Games and the flawless organization will take over," he said.

Official: IOC pleased with Beijing Games preparations

    BEIJING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The International Olympic Committee is pleased with Beijing's overall preparations for next week's summer Games, while the controversial Internet access issue has been quickly addressed, a senior IOC official said here on Saturday.

    "There's certainly no anxiety about Beijing's venue construction or infrastructure improvement," said IOC Press Commission Chairman Kevan Gosper. "We tested the operational capacity of Beijing Games organizers during a series of test events last year, the Good Luck Beijing, and got good results."  Full story

Former IOC chief Samaranch lauds Beijing Olympics

    BEIJING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Former International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Juan Samaranch on Saturday said Beijing would stage a marvelous Olympics.

    Speaking at a sports meeting of the China-Spain Forum, Samaranch reviewed his three-decade friendship with China. "I spent a long time understanding the Chinese people and helped open the Olympic door for China."  Full story