IOC cancels global torch relay

The International Olympic Committee (ICO) has abolished the global relay of the Olympic torch ahead of the games. The relay will now take place only on the territory of the host countrу. IOC official have explained the decision by security concerns.

The first global torch relay was held ahead of the 2004 Olympics in Athenes. Afterwards, IOC came to a conclusion that it should only be carried out on the territory of the country that hosts the Olympic Games.

The torch relay ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing were accompanied with numerous protest actions. The participants of the actions protested against China's policy in Tibet and human rights violations in the country.

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