PM Tony Blair:
(In French)
Mr President, IOC members, distinguished guests. I am sorry I can\'t be with you in person. My responsibility as host of the G8 summit, which starts today, means I must be back in the UK. It is the only reason I am not at your historic session. I was, however, honoured to meet many of you over the last few days, and delighted to renew old friendships.
Last year I was privileged to attend the superb Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Athens. And proud to be one of 20,000 Britons, the largest group of overseas spectators.
Athens inspired me - and taught me much about the Olympic Movement. Our goal is to witness its power in London.
(in English)
It is a unique honour to act as Host City. I also understand it is an honour which comes with a great responsibility - and which requires the highest levels of co-operation with the IOC.
My promise to you is that we will be your very best partners.
All of us who have made guarantees to you are ready to deliver on them now. On security. On finance. On every single undertaking we have given.
If you award London the Games, I pledge to you personally we will continue to give the highest level of support to Seb Coe and Keith Mills as they lead the Organising Committee, backed up by our Olympic Minister Tessa Jowell.
My entire Government - and the main Opposition parties too - are united behind this bid. It has total political support.
It is the nation\'s bid. It has excited people throughout the country. More than three million have already volunteered their support.