PM: "2020 Olympics to benefit Istanbul"

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has hosted a dinner for IOC's Evaluation Commission that has been in Istanbul for a four-day assessment of Istanbul's latest Olympic bid. Speaking at Esma Sultan Mansion at Bosporus yesterday, Erdogan said he was a lover of Istanbul. "I'm sure you will understand I cannot be neutral. Istanbul is a city which was built by tolerance, mutual love and culture of living together. Istanbul is a city where the five rings, which are the symbol of Olympics, can find meaning. While Asia, Africa and Europe meet in Istanbul, America and Australia have tracks, voices and tastes in this city. I would like to remind that an Olympics which is hosted by Istanbul will have messages beyond the universal language of the sports. Istanbul which is the language of many people is probably the most ideal city to present the sports identified with peace to the world. We will be a bridge for culture and peace," Erdogan said.