Toronto Mayor Apologizes for Remarks on Africa Associated Press Friday, June 22, 2001; Page A20 TORONTO, June 21 -- Saying he "did the wrong thing," Toronto's mayor has apologized for joking about cannibals in Africa -- comments that officials fear could erode African support for the city's bid to play host to the 2008 Olympics. Before visiting Mombasa, Kenya, two weeks ago to promote Toronto's bid, Mayor Mel Lastman told a freelance reporter writing an article for the Toronto Star that he feared going there for a meeting of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa. "What the hell would I want to go to a place like Mombasa?" he was quoted as saying, adding that he feared snakes. He also said, "I just see myself in a pot of boiling water with all these natives dancing around me." One senior African Olympic official said the remarks could cause IOC members to take another look at the Toronto bid, which has been graded as one of the top three. The story dominated media reports here today. In a written apology late Wednesday, the mayor called the remarks a joke. Today, Lastman apologized repeatedly at a news conference. "I am truly sorry and I'm going to say it again," Lastman said. "I apologize; I did the wrong thing." John Bitove, president and chief executive of the Toronto bid committee, said the effort to win the 2008 Games would continue with Lastman as part of the team. "Anyone who knows Toronto knows the strength of this city is its multiculturalism and its diversity and how proudly we wear that," he said in an interview. "It's been one of the key features in our bid and it will continue to be a key feature in our bid." © 2001 The Washington Post Company Miroslav Antic, http://www.antic.org/ Serbian News Network - SNN [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.antic.org/
