Li Weiyi, spokesman of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said today that the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games will fully consider the will of the Taiwan compatriots when designing the roadmap of the Olympic torch relay, to enable them to share the joy and glory of the Olympics.

He noted that Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao compatriots, as well as overseas Chinese, had given their support to Beijing's Olympic bid, and that the hosting of the Olympic Games is a grand event for all Chinese people.

"Therefore, the will and interests of everyone will be fully considered," he added.

According to Li, President Hu Jintao had invited Taiwan compatriots to participate in the construction of stadiums for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, as well as in other commercial activities relating to the Games, when he met with Taiwan businessmen during a recent inspection tour of southeast China's Fujian Province.

"We welcome Taiwan athletes to compete in the 2008 Olympic Games, and also welcome other Taiwan compatriots to come and serve as volunteers for the Games," Li added.

(Xinhua News Agency January 24, 2006)