The country is well prepared for all security threats to the Beijing Games, Public Security Minister Meng Jianzhu said on Friday.

"Security preparation for the Games is ready and we're confident in, and capable of, foiling any attacks to ensure a safe Games," Meng said while addressing the opening ceremony of the International Conference on Security for the Beijing Olympic Games.

The Olympics has always been a major target of terrorism, separatism and extremism because of the large number of people involved, Meng said.

To ensure a safe Games, close international cooperation is essential, he said.

He called for intensified international cooperation in intelligence exchange and law enforcement.

Meng also said China hopes that other countries can better understand the security measures that it takes.

"We hope countries can remind their athletes and visitors to follow the Olympic Charter and Chinese laws and customs while they're in Beijing," he said.

In a letter sent to the three-day meeting - attended by 400 delegates from 120 countries - International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacque Rogge also expressed the IOC's confidence in a safe Games.

"With about 100 days to go before the opening of the Games, such an international conference is an ideal opportunity for us to assess the situation and reflect on our common experience and responsibilities to ensure that the Games is held in the safest possible way," Rogge said.

"The IOC has full confidence in the Chinese authorities, which have the primary responsibility of making the Games the safest and the most enjoyable," he said.

Bolat Nurgaliyev, secretary-general of the regional security group, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), also expressed support for China's efforts to ensure a safe Games.

He reiterated that no political, philosophical, ideological or ethnic circumstances should be used to justify terrorist, separatist or extremist actions.

Referring to the recent unrest in Tibet and disruptions during the Olympic torch relay, Nurgaliyev said the SCO "firmly supports actions taken by the Chinese government to maintain public order and the rule of law".

Nurgaliyev also warned the media that unfair and sympathetic reports on violence might foster more dangerous actions.

(China Daily April 26, 2008)