New Delhi: The torch for the 2008 Beijing Olympic starts its five-month journey in Greece while Tibetan monks continue their protests in China.
The Olympic torch was lit in Greece on Monday, marking the start of a five-month torch relay that'll end on August 8 with the opening ceremony in Beijing.
A pro-Tibet protester breached security at the venue and waved a banner, but was caught and escorted away by the police.
Actress Maria Naf-plio-tou playing the high priestess lit the torch in front of the Temple of Hera in ancient Olympia.
Greek athlete Alexandros Nikolai-dis will start the six-day Greek relay before the flame is handed over to the Chinese on March 30.
The torch will be carried through 20 cities across the world before it reaches the National Stadium in Beijing on August 8.
International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge attended the ceremony at the 2,800-year-old birthplace of the ancient games in southern Greece. The flame for the Aug. 8-24 games was lit using the sun's rays.
Greek officials said politics have no place at the event ahead of expected protests by pro-Tibetan groups. More than 1,000 police were deployed around the site.
Meanwhile, China pledged strict security measures to ensure that the torch relay, which begins with the lighting ceremony, is not marred by protests.
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