Mr. Georgios Makropoulos answered to the questions of the press service

The vice-president and currently acting president of FIDE Mr. Georgios Makropoulos answered to the questions of the press service of the Baku Chess Olympiad Operating Committee, drawing conclusions of his visit to Baku. Mr. Makropoulos expressed his satisfaction with what he observed: "I highly appreciate the advancement of works of the Baku Chess Olympiad Operating Committee. The preparation are going according to the plan. During the visit, we were in the Crystal Hall, where the Olympiad will be held. We are confident that all conditions will be created there for the players for the Olympiad. According to the expectations, more than 300 teams will compete at the same time. Therefore, it is important to have a wide area, to held this event. Crystal Hall has a great space, as we noted before. We discussed about Transport and Visas procedures as well. I think the organizers have a very serious attitude towards the tasks they will face. In fact, we don’t expect any problems. We also reviewed the security issues, media rooms and places intended for the spectators in the arena. The preparation works are almost at the final stage".

Mr. Georgios Makropoulos noted that the capital of Azerbaijan had a great experience in the chess competitions: "Baku hosted several prestigious competitions, such as the Chess Grand Prix and the FIDE World Chess Cup. The Olympiad is one of the biggest competitions in the chess world. More than 175 countries are expected to attend. All attention of the chess world will be focused in Baku. In this sense, it is important to pay attention to each detail. During the visit in Baku, the Baku Chess Olympiad Operating Committee signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the hotels accommodating the guests and participants of the 42^nd Chess Olympiad. I think Azerbaijan will organize the best Olympiad in the history of chess".

To be acquainted with the preparations works of the Baku Chess Olympiad Operating Committee, FIDE officials will continue visiting Bakuregularly. “We appreciate all preparatory works done till now. Considering the fact that we are at the decisive phase, our representatives will come to Azerbaijan every month. Our experts will help the Operating Committee in the needed areas. As you know, the next FIDE Congress will be held during the Olympiad. We are pleased with the process of the preparation works for both events. The registration of the participants will be start this month" Mr. Makropoulos reported.

The 42nd Chess Olympiad will start on the 1^st September and last until September 14^th. The 87th FIDE Congress, organized in parallel to the Olympiad, will also take place in Baku from September 4^th to 14^th.

The press service of the Baku Chess Olympiad Operating Committee