Torch trouble in Paris

Under the arches of the Eiffel Tower. the Olympic torch was met by its Chinese guards and a team of rollerblading police - their task to keep today's relay an orderly affair.

But with security now the overriding concern - the torch was at times invisible to anyone trying to catch a glimpse.

As the French capital prepared to host the flame, the protestors were gathering as were 3,000 police - apparently keen to avoid a repeat of yesterdays scenes in London.

The Head of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge, has condemned attempts to disrupt the Olympic torch. But he also expressed his concern about the situation in Tibet.

Speaking at a meeting in Beijing, Mr Rogge called for a "rapid, peaceful resolution of Tibet", the strongest comment yet from the IOC.

It's clear other members are keen to move on from yesterday's problems. Although Chinese newspapers have been reporting the favourable reception the flame received in London.

Some images of the trouble have been broadcast on state television, described as 'disgusting' sabotage carried out by Tibetan separatists. But the protests don't appear to be to be worrying the Chinese public too much:

"I really don't care. The Olympics are being held in China, they're not happening abroad. So the influence isn't that great. Chinese people have their own opinions. With China hosting the Olympics, it will definitely be a great success."

"Foreigners taking part in these kind of activities is the result of the Dalai clique blinding the western media. So I think a lot of people, including many westerners, don't really understand the situation in Tibet."

As the torch battles its way around Paris the head of the Norwegian Olympic Committee has said that relay should now be reconsidered because of the protests.

And with the next stop San Francisco - more of those are certainly expected.

Keith Breene reports

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