IOC praises London Games for "spectacular" work

By Karolos Grohmann

BEIJING (Reuters) - The International Olympic Committee called the London 2012 Games preparations spectacular, three weeks before the spotlight falls on the English capital as the next Olympic host after Beijing.

Dennis Oswald, the IOC's chief inspector for the London Games, said on Wednesday that London Games organizers (LOCOG) had been "prudent and wise", mapping out preparations well and entering the crucial construction phase ahead of schedule.

"We start seeing constructions, everything is taking shape and the preparation for the Games are moving ahead in spectacular fashion," Oswald told an IOC session.

In July LOCOG came in for criticism when a government committee highlighted uncertainty over legacy and the lack of a fully-costed security plan for the 2012 Games.

The Public Accounts Committee -- a body responsible for overseeing government expenditure -- praised progress made on the Olympic Park in east London but warned that lack of clarity over future use of permanent venues was a concern.

A steady budget increase for infrastructure work not immediately related to the Games has also raised concerns, yet not with the IOC.

Oswald said as far as the Games operational budget was concerned, this had remained unchanged.

"I would like to express my congratulations for the quality of the work they (LOCOG) have done so far," Oswald said. "It leaves us with great assurances for the years to come and the quality of the Games in 2012."