Olympic flame handed to China amid protests

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ATHENS (Reuters) - Greece handed the Olympic flame to China on Sunday amid unprecedented security measures after pro-Tibet protestors tried to disrupt ceremonies.

A small group of pro-Tibet activists tried to stop the Olympic flame from reaching the Athens stadium where it was due to be handed to Chinese officials but they were quickly removed by Greek police.

"In 130 days the 2008 Beijing Olympics begin. We and the other nations of the world look forward to this moment," said Beijing Games organising chief Liu Qi before receiving the flame.

Minutes earlier, protesters holding Tibet flags and shouting "Free Tibet" and "China out of Tibet" had tried but failed to break through the police cordon and get to the last torch bearer entering the venue, said a Reuters witness.

Human rights protesters also disrupted last Monday's flame lighting ceremony in ancient Olympia, televised live around the world, unfolding banners condemning China's rights record.

Greek authorities posted hundreds of police along the flame's route and scores of security vehicles followed the torch bearers as helicopters hovered overhead -- the strictest security measures since the torch relay started in 1936.

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