Quoted

After different exchanges with the French government - in particular
the Ministry for Foreign Affairs - , and based on their firm
recommendations, the organisers of the Dakar have taken the decision to
cancel the 2008 edition of the rally, scheduled from the 5th to the
20th of January between Lisbon and Senegal’s capital.

Based
on the current international political tension and the murder of four
French tourists last 24th of December linked to a branch of Al-Qaeda in
Islamic Maghreb, but also and mainly the direct threats launched
directly against the race by terrorist organisations, no other decision
but the cancellation of the sporting event could be taken by A.S.O.

A.S.O.’s
first responsibility is to guarantee the safety of all: that of the
populations in the countries visited, of the amateur and professional
competitors, of the technical assistance personnel, of the journalists,
partners and rally collaborators. A.S.O. therefore reaffirms that the
choice of security is not, has never been and will never be a subject
of compromise at the heart of the Dakar rally.

A.S.O.
condemns the terrorist menace that annihilates a year of hard work,
engagement and passion for all the participants and the different
actors of the world’s biggest off-road rally. Aware of the huge
frustration, especially in Portugal, Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal,
and beyond the general disappointment and the huge economical
consequences in terms of direct and indirect repercussions for the
countries visited, A.S.O. will continue to defend the major values of
great sporting events and will carry on its engagement for a durable
development through the Actions Dakar, started 5 years ago in
sub-Saharan Africa with SOS Sahel International.

The Dakar is
a symbol and nothing can destroy symbols. The cancellation of the 2008
edition does not endanger the future of the Dakar. To offer, for 2009 a
new adventure to all the off-road rally passionate is a challenge that
A.S.O. will take on in the months to come, faithful to its engagement
and its passion for sports.