Security

France told the IOC on Friday that it has the expertise to ensure the safety of athletes and spectators if the 2012 Olympics come to Paris.

Interior Minister, Dominique de Villepin, told International Olympic Committee inspectors that 41,000 police officers, armed police and soldiers, as well as 5,700 fire and rescue workers would provide security.

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"France has the means and the experience so that everyone, spectators and athletes, can take part in this festival in total safety,".

President Jacques Chirac, who hosted the IOC for dinner at the Elysee Palace, said the French are ready to host the games.

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"Tonight, it is the whole of France who receives you," Chirac said. "A whole nation which is putting its passion for sport, its experience of big sporting events and its enthusiasm into this candidature."

Today, the last day in Paris, the IOC will take the metro to the Bercy arena in southeast Paris.

The street protests continue, another protest is scheduled by environmentalists opposed to plans to build a 15,000-seat Olympic arena for judo and badminton in the Bois de Boulogne in western Paris.