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Bidders for 2012 Olympics to debate on TV
A televised debate is planned featuring bid leaders from the five cities vying for the 2012 Summer Olympics.
In what would be the first debate in Olympic bid history, the broadcast by BBC World would include senior figures from the London, Paris, Madrid, Moscow and New York committees. The date, site and guests for the proposed debate have not yet been decided, BBC World spokesman Kevin Young said Friday. The format most likely would involve each bid leader presenting his case, with a panel later asking questions. "It's good to have an open and friendly airing of this important debate," London 2012 spokesman Mike Lee said. The BBC World channel is shown in more than 200 countries. "It's a fair opportunity for everyone to state their arguments," Paris 2012 spokesman Jerome Lenfant said. Lenfant said all five cities have agreed to the program. Phone calls to the other bid cities were not immediately returned. The 2012 host will be selected by the International Olympic Committee on July 6 in Singapore. The IOC said it would have no problem with the debate provided the bidding rules apply. Under the regulations, the cities are forbidden from attacking each other, and IOC president Jacques Rogge recently told the candidates to stop sniping at each other. "The focus will be on each city's own proposals," Lee said. The IOC's 11-member evaluation commission will visit Madrid on Feb. 3-6, London on Feb. 16-19, New York on Feb. 21-24, Paris on March 9-12 and Moscow on March 14-17. The panel will give its recommendations to the 100-plus IOC members a month before they vote.
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