- Title: Kazan mayor says: we are ready for World Cup
- Date: 22nd June 2017
- Summary: KAZAN, RUSSIA (JUNE 22, 2017) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF KAZAN CITY HALL STATUE OF SOVIET LEADER VLADIMIR LENIN KAZAN MAYOR ILSUR METSHIN WALKING INTO NEWS CONFERENCE CONFEDERATIONS CUP 2017 LOGO ON BANNER (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) KAZAN MAYOR, ILSUR METSHIN, SAYING: "Of course, there are drawbacks we are currently working on. To a large degree, Kazan has already done a lot of work, after the Confederations Cup we have more scheduled work. Such as roadwork, public services, improving the reliability of electric grids. Those are the things that are not seen by the average person. Overall, we still have time (for preparations), but we are 95 percent ready. (REPEATS IN ENGLISH) We are ready." NEWS CONFERENCE IN PROGRESS (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) KAZAN MAYOR, ILSUR METSHIN, SAYING (ASKED ABOUT SECURITY TO AVOID REPETITION OF VIOLENCE SEEN IN EUROPEAN CUP IN MARSEILLE, FRANCE): "We have studied the best international efforts (on security). We have the most modern response resources. But with all this in mind, we would prefer to concentrate on prevention measures of certain events in this situation. Of course, nobody is immune to incidents. But I will say that Kazan's operational staff has done all that is necessary to eliminate any instances of fan disorder." MEDIA (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) KAZAN MAYOR, ILSUR METSHIN, SAYING (ASKED ABOUT LEGACY OF INTERNATIONAL SPORTING EVENTS): "Of course, the city's infrastructure has changed, (multi-level) road junctions, the airport, the railway station and facades. But also, the people changed. And events like the Confederations Cup and World Cup in 2018 - they change people, including the youth. Tens of thousands of Kazan and Tatarstan residents went through the volunteering school and saw the world." MEDIA (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) KAZAN MAYOR, ILSUR METSHIN, SAYING (ASKED IF ALL FAMOUS VISITORS WILL RECEIVE GRAFFITI ON BUILDINGS TO WELCOME THEM LIKE PORTUGAL'S CRISTIANO RONALDO): "I promise this. For each such visit we have over 10,000 big buildings and constructions, including 5,200 apartment blocks. There is enough space for everyone. For us this is a dream. This is a big celebration for us." MEDIA MAYOR LEAVING AT END OF NEWS CONFERENCE VARIOUS VIEWS OF CITY
- Embargoed: 6th July 2017 14:36
- Keywords: Russia World Cup Kazan host city security fans support
- Location: KAZAN, RUSSIA
- City: KAZAN, RUSSIA
- Country: Russia
- Topics: Sport,World Cup
- Reuters ID: LVA0016MD0JLR
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text:With the 2018 World Cup only a year away, host city Kazan says stress test of Confederations Cup has shown it's ready for the international tournament.
Russia has in the last week shown off its preparations for next year's World Cup despite concerns over stadium security and infrastructure as the two-week Confederations Cup tournament continues.
Mayor Ilsur Metshin said the city of Kazan, in western Russia's Tatarstan republic, has undergone major works recently and is 95 percent ready for the World Cup.
Speaking at a news conference at Kazan City Hall on Thursday (June 22), Metshin said the host city was ready to welcome fans from overseas.
Russia is set to host the 2018 World Cup in 12 stadiums spread across 11 cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan and Sochi.
Since clashes between Russian and English fans tarnished the European championship in France last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved legislation that toughens punishments for violence at sporting events as part of a broader crackdown on hooliganism.
Metshin said police were working round the clock to handle instances of violence. But added the Confederations Cup was thus far peaceful. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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