CRI听力：Olympics Opening Ceremony Hailed by World Leaders

The opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics has surprised the world, including many foreign leaders, with its breath-taking display of culture and technology.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said he's impressed by the dazzling art performance and the way the cauldron was lighted.(Www.hxen.net)

"Last night's ceremony was indeed refreshing, unique, and breath-taking. I believe the whole world was impressed. The way of lighting the torch was particularly creative. I'm happy then ceremony has proved to be a success."

He also spoke highly about the Olympic village, saying that he believes it's a comfortable place to live in.

Other world leaders, including Laos' President Choummaly Sayasone and President of Vietnam Nguyen Minh Triet, have expressed similar opinions.

Honorary President of the International Olympic Committee Juan Antonio Samaranch congratulated the success of the opening ceremony in an interview with CRI.

President of the International Olympic Committee Jacques Rogge has highly praised the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, which was held on Friday night.

Giselle Davies, spokeswoman of the IOC said President Rogge was deeply impressed by the splendid event.

"He said it was really a remarkable event, which combine creativity and culture, history, and which manage to bring 5,000 years of history to the world through modern technology and modern means. Very much demonstrated the organization of the Games."

The president also thanked the organizers for their tireless work.

Haris Silajdzic, President of Bosnia and Herzegovina, have also noted that he's amazed by the development of China.

"I was in Beijing for a visit as Prime Minister in 1995. I am deeply impressed by the changes China has gone through over the 13 years. It is an unbelievable developing speed."

The opening ceremony, inside the new National Stadium in the capital, was witnessed by more than 100,000 people in the stands and by nearly 4 billion worldwide as it was broadcast live by the China Central Television.