RUSSIA: WINTER OLYMPICS - United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and IOC President Thomas Bach carry the Olympic flame through Sochi on the eve of the Winter Olympics
Record ID:
564896
RUSSIA: WINTER OLYMPICS - United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and IOC President Thomas Bach carry the Olympic flame through Sochi on the eve of the Winter Olympics
- Title: RUSSIA: WINTER OLYMPICS - United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and IOC President Thomas Bach carry the Olympic flame through Sochi on the eve of the Winter Olympics
- Date: 6th February 2014
- Summary: SOCHI, RUSSIA (FEBRUARY 6, 2014) (AGENCY POOL) INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE PRESIDENT THOMAS BACH, SURROUNDED BY SECURITY GUARDS, CARRYING OLYMPIC TORCH PAST CHEERING CROWDS VARIOUS OF BACH LIGHTING OLYMPIC TORCH CARRIED BY THE UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY GENERAL BAN KI-MOON SPECTATOR TAKING PICTURE BAN SETTING OFF ON RUN WITH TORCH (SOUNDBITE) (English) INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE PRESIDENT THOMAS BACH SAYING: "That is very special and very significant to be able, together with the Secretary General Of The United Nations to send our Olympic message of peace and understanding, which is also a message of the United Nations." BAN LIGHTING A TORCH CARRIED BY A YOUNG BEARER
- Embargoed: 21st February 2014 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Russian Federation
- Country: Russia
- Topics: General,Politics,Sports
- Reuters ID: LVAVTD3032RCZZSR3J6NPTI3OSV
- Story Text: U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon carried the Olympic flame past cheering crowds in the Winter Olympics city of Sochi on Thursday (February 6), the same day he condemned sexual discrimination and attacks on homosexuals.
His comments turned the spotlight on concerns over Russia's "gay propaganda" law at the games.
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach was also a torch bearer, transferring the Olympic flame to the torch carried by Ban.
"That is very special and very significant to be able, together with the Secretary General Of The United Nations to send our Olympic message of peace and understanding, which is also a message of the United Nations," commented Bach.
Ban made no direct reference to gay rights in Russia in a speech to Olympic officials in Sochi but his remarks underlined the intense scrutiny President Vladimir Putin is under because of the issue.
Russia, hosting a winter Games for the first time, has come under heavy criticism over the law banning "gay propaganda" among minors because critics say it curtails the rights of homosexuals and discriminates against them.
Russian organisers fear there could be protests from gay rights activists and both officials were under heavy guard as they ran with the torch.
The 2008 Beijing Olympic torch marathon was subject to several protests from demonstrators angered by China's human rights record. - Copyright Holder: POOL (CAN SELL)
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