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Friday, 04 January 2008 |
Dakar Rally cancelled due to safety concerns in Mauritania
This year's Dakar Rally has been cancelled due to safety concerns in the African republic of Mauritania following murders there.
Eight of the Dakar Rally's 15 stages had been scheduled to pass through Mauritania.
However, four French tourists had been murdered in Mauritania on 24 December, and this caused the French government to caution against any travel to the country.
The Dakar Rally organisers, the Amaury Sport Organisation, also claimed that there had been "direct threats against the race issued by terrorist groups".
A statement by them says: "Following several consultations with the French government and taking into account its firm recommendations, the organisers of the Dakar have taken the decision to cancel the 2008 edition of the rally."
The Dakar Rally, which is an annual car and motorcycle marathon had been due to begin in Lisbon on 5 January and ending in Dakar on 20 January.
The Dakar Rally has been held every year since 1979 without any disruption although in the past, there has been a need for some stages to be cancelled.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 09 January 2008 )
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Motor Sports 
