In preparation for the Olympic torch’s Paris visit, over 3,000 police officers were called upon to guard the route and make sure that the human-rights activists will not cause a scene similar to Sunday’s incidents in London where thirty-seven people were arrested after some tried to grab the torch and others struggled to put the flame out using a fire extinguisher.

The French police, using motorcycles or in jogging gear and skates, with three boats patrolling the Seine and a helicopter covering the whole course, are expected to ensure that the event remains “uneventful.”

The security plan involves a safe “bubble” for the torch, which is meant to prevent the activists from getting close to it. Pro-Tibet militants have made great efforts in order for their cause to be acknowledged, organizing many events and demonstrations. The final outcome of all their efforts is yet to be known, many more similar actions being expected over the next few months.

Close to 80 athletes will get a chance to hold the famous torch over the 27-kilometre route. The trip will start at the Eiffel Tower, heading down through Champ-Elysee avenue toward City Hall, then across the Seine and ending at the Charlety track and field stadium.

According to the Associated Press,  French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said that all options remained open for Paris concerning a possible boycott of the opening of the Beijing Olympics. President Nicolas Sarkozy has been receiving many calls regarding the boycott of the opening events and also a boycott of the full Olympic Games, which is not considered an option.