By Pablo Elizalde Friday, January 4th 2008, 12:08 GMT
Dakar Rally organisers have said the future of the event is not in danger following the official cancellation of this year's edition.
The organisers were forced to call the event off this year amid safety fears in Mauritania, where the rally would have spent eight days.
The French government on Thursday warned against holding stages in Mauritania after three attackers, who authorities suspect are linked to Al Qaeda, killed four French tourists.
Organisers ASO said they had also received direct threats by terrorist organisations, which left them with no choice but to cancel the rally despite causing "huge frustration" to the participants.
They said, however, that the future of the event was not at risk.
"Based on the current international political tension and the murder of four French tourists last 28th of December linked to a branch of Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb, but also and mainly the direct threats launched directly against the race by terrorist organisations, no other decision but the cancellation of the sporting event could be taken by A.S.O.," said the organisers in a statement.
"A.S.O.'s first responsibility is to guarantee the safety of all: that of the populations in the countries visited, of the amateur and professional competitors, of the technical assistance personnel, of the journalists, partners and rally collaborators. A.S.O. therefore reaffirms that the choice of security is not, has never been and will never be a subject of compromise at the heart of the Dakar rally.
"A.S.O. condemns the terrorist menace that annihilates a year of hard work, engagement and passion for all the participants and the different actors of the world's biggest off-road rally.
"Aware of the huge frustration, especially in Portugal, Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal, and beyond the general disappointment and the huge economical consequences in terms of direct and indirect repercussions for the countries visited, A.S.O. will continue to defend the major values of great sporting events and will carry on its engagement for a durable development through the Actions Dakar, started 5 years ago in sub-Saharan Africa with SOS Sahel International.
"The Dakar is a symbol and nothing can destroy symbols. The cancellation of the 2008 edition does not endanger the future of the Dakar. To offer, for 2009 a new adventure to all the off-road rally passionate is a challenge that A.S.O. will take on in the months to come, faithful to its engagement and its passion for sports."
