PARIS, 25 June 2003 — International Olympic president Jacques Rogge told French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin yesterday that Paris had the foundations in place but competition would be tough for the 2012 Games.

“France is a great country, politically very stable with a strong economy,” Rogge said.

“It’s a democratic country with wide experience of international events, with good athletes, outstanding sports administrators and an Olympic champion for a sports minister,” Rogge said.

Sports minister Jean-Francois Lamour is a two-time Olympic sabre fencing champion.

“I think there is popular support but the prime minister is understandably aware it will be difficult,” he added.

Paris is the favorite to host 2012 with London close behind.

Paris’ advantage is that the French capital already has a suitable stadium in the Stade de France and many other key parts of the infrastructure. Moscow, New York, Madrid, and the German city of Leipzig are also in the chase for the world’s biggest sporting extravaganza.

Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo and the Canadian city of Toronto are expected to put in a bid before the July 15 deadline.