The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is satisfied with the progress of venue construction in Beijing.

Their remarks follow a tour of two venues on Tuesday - the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, and the National Swimming Center or Water Cube. Both are expected to be completed by the end of 2007.

The Committee says construction is progressing well, which should help guarantee a successful Olympics.

IOC officials will meet again on Wednesday and Thursday to inspect other venues and look over progress reports.

A total of 36 competition venues will be used for the 2008 Olympics, 14 of which will be built from scratch. Construction on nine has already started and construction on the others will begin later this year.

From 2005 through to 2008, IOC inspectors will visit Beijing twice a year, up from once a year previously.

(CRI.com June 1, 2005)