Kilic: "Turkey is ready to host the Olympics"

Turkey has what it takes to host the Olympic Games, newly appointed Sports Minister Suat Kilic said yesterday. "For many years we have had the aim of hosting the Olympics," Kilic told reporters in Ankara. "Turkey doesn't have money problems, doesn't have resource problems, and doesn't have manpower problems: We have what it takes to host any international sporting event." Asked if Turkey would bid to host the 2020 Summer Olympics, Kilic said: "We're looking at that right now. We'll make an announcement about it soon." Turkey is hotly tipped to throw its hat into the ring; last week, an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member said Istanbul would enter the race to host the games.