Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi appealed for "responsibility" on Tuesday as the country prepared to host the Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italian News Agency reported on Wednesday.

The president's call came three days before the official opening of the Games and amid preparations for protests during the Olympics by hard-line leftwing and anti-globalisation groups.

"The image of the Alps and the Piedmont valleys will be seen by millions of people," Ciampi said in a video message.

"I am confident that everyone - citizens and institutions - will work together for the best possible Olympic Games," he continued, stressing the event's importance for the Piedmont and Italy as a whole.

"It is a chance to confirm our capabilities, to boost development. We must not miss this opportunity. It is a responsibility for all of us."

According to Italian dailies, a protest is being planned for Thursday evening when the Olympic torch arrives in Turin ahead of the opening ceremony.

Campaigners against the building of a high-speed rail link through a Piedmont valley intend to use the Olympics as a chance to gain publicity for their cause. The valley in question, the Val di Susa, is to host several Olympic events over the two weeks of the Games.

Source: Xinhua