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85,000 security personnel to ensure security at Rio Olympic Games

85,000 security personnel to ensure security at Rio Olympic Games

Brazil

About 500,000 people all over the world are expected in Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Summer Olympics which kick starts on August 5.

For the 500,000 people which includes over 10,000 athletes and many tourists, there will be 85,000 military and police personnel deployed on the ground to protect attendants, the Brazilian foreign minister, Jose Serra said on Saturday.

He added that 45 heads of state and government are expected as already, 55 sports ministers around the world have confirmed their attendance at the opening ceremony in the Maracana stadium.

Among the heads of state and government announced to be attending are French president Francois Hollande, Mauricio Macri of Argentina, Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia, Italian prime minister, Matteo Renzi, and the President of Paraguay, Horacio Cartes.

Earlier, the foreign ministry announced that the Acting President of Brazil, Michel Temer and his government will receive 1,500 guests expected for a cocktail at the ministry in Rio.

With less than two weeks to the Games, the issue of security has been a major concern for the organizers especially with the series of deadly attacks around the world in recent weeks.

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