Dakar rally cancelled for security reasons
SAFETY CONCERNS in the African Republic of Mauritania have led to the cancellation of the 2008 Lisbon-Dakar rally. Race organisers confirmed the cancellation on Friday, January 4, a day before the race was due to start, on the official website.
Daniel Bilalian of France-Televisions, a TV partner of the endurance rally, told Europe-1 radio that “wisdom had prevailed” and the race had been called off.
It is the first time in the race’s 30-year history that it has been cancelled. In the past, only stages have been called off.
This development came after the murder of four French tourists in Mauritania on Christmas Eve, which was blamed on al-Qaeda militants, leading to the French government voicing concerns over the rally’s eight stages through the country.
“The ministry strongly warns all French citizens against going to Mauritania until further orders,” said the French government spokesman Laurent Wauquiez, adding: “That goes for all French people, as well as the organisation of the Lisbon-Dakar rally.”
The decision to cancel was based on the current international political tension and the murder of the four French tourists, but also and mainly the threats launched directly against the race by terrorist organisations. As a result, say the organisers, no other decision but the cancellation of the sporting event could be taken by Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO).
Warnings
Daniel Bilalian, director of sports for France-Televisions said: “There were risks; warnings had been given. If the slightest incident had happened in Mauritania, not to mention accidents or attacks, then the whole credibility of ASO would have been called into question and ASO could not allow that.”
ASO said that it condemns the terrorist menace that annihilated a year of hard work as well as disappointed thousands of people, but stated that the Dakar is a symbol and nothing can destroy symbols.
The official website statement also said that the cancellation of the 2008 edition does not endanger the future of the Dakar.
The race had been due to start in Lisbon, Portugal, tomorrow and finish in Dakar, Senegal, on January 20.
Câmaras seek compensation
SEVERAL POLITICAL figures from areas affected by the cancellation of the 2008 Lisbon-Dakar rally on Friday have criticised the organiser’s decision and are asking for compensation.
Portimão Câmara President, Manuel da Luz, said that he will ask Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) for the 1.5 million euros so far invested in the event by the Câmara.
“The Câmara’s lawyers are studying the contract in order to demand a return of the investment made by the council to receive the rally in Portimão,” he said.
The Câmara President also said that it was a “strange” situation because “allegedly it has to do with the death of French tourists that happened around a week ago”, adding: “I hope it is not a question of politics between the French and Mauritanian governments.”
António Ganhão, the President of Benavente Câmara near Lisbon has said that he understands the risk that the participants could face and why the organisers decided to cancel the event, but will be asking the organisers for the money invested to be returned.
“Everything that we had negotiated with the Dakar rally was in place, from the land for meeting points, musical entertainment, transport, toilet facilities, a giant tent among others, an investment around 30,000 euros for which we must be compensated for,” said António Ganhão.
The race, organised by the France-based ASO, had been due to start in Lisbon on Saturday and finish in Dakar, Senegal, on January 20 before being cancelled because of security issues and al-Qaeda threats.
Câmaras seek compensation
SEVERAL POLITICAL figures from areas affected by the cancellation of the 2008 Lisbon-Dakar rally on Friday have criticised the organiser’s decision and are asking for compensation.
Portimão Câmara President, Manuel da Luz, said that he will ask Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) for the 1.5 million euros so far invested in the event by the Câmara.
“The Câmara’s lawyers are studying the contract in order to demand a return of the investment made by the council to receive the rally in Portimão,” he said.
The Câmara President also said that it was a “strange” situation because “allegedly it has to do with the death of French tourists that happened around a week ago”, adding: “I hope it is not a question of politics between the French and Mauritanian governments.”
António Ganhão, the President of Benavente Câmara near Lisbon has said that he understands the risk that the participants could face and why the organisers decided to cancel the event, but will be asking the organisers for the money invested to be returned.
“Everything that we had negotiated with the Dakar rally was in place, from the land for meeting points, musical entertainment, transport, toilet facilities, a giant tent among others, an investment around 30,000 euros for which we must be compensated for,” said António Ganhão.
The race, organised by the France-based ASO, had been due to start in Lisbon on Saturday and finish in Dakar, Senegal, on January 20 before being cancelled because of security issues and al-Qaeda threats.
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