A hotline will be set up between the chief of Interpol and Beijing security officials to ensure the rapid exchange of intelligence during this summer's Olympic Games, the head of the international police organization said in Beijing on Friday.

"It is the first time there will be a direct hotline between the head of Olympic security and the head of Interpol," Interpol secretary general Ronald Noble told reporters on the sidelines of an international conference on security cooperation for the Aug. 8-24 Games in Beijing.

Earlier, when addressing the opening of the three-day conference, Noble commended China's security preparations for the Olympics, though he added that it remained a possible terrorist target.

"An attempted act of terrorism is a real possibility and a real concern that all Olympic host countries have shared in recent years," said Noble.

China's security forces have staged a number of exercises in recent months to simulate potential security dangers, including hijackings and hostage-takings.

Noble said that the 186-country police organization is helping China guard against any potential attack at the Olympics by providing intelligence and training staff.

"An Interpol Major Event Support Team (IMEST) will arrive here prior to the start of the Games to train Chinese officers in crisis and major event operations," said Noble.

"The IMEST will work out of the International Police Liaison Center alongside Chinese and foreign liaison officers from 22 countries. It will provide immediate on-site technical and operational police support ... for the duration of the Olympics."

China will have automated access to Interpol database on fingerprints, images and wanted persons notice, he added.

(Xinhua News Agency April 25, 2008)