MINSK, Belarus (AP) " Minsk has emerged as the main contender to host the 2019 edition of the troubled European Games. In comments reported by state news agency Belta, Belarusian National Olympic Committee vice president Maxim Ryzhenkov said "our European partners are very interested in the second European Games taking place in Belarus." "The second European Games demand the investment of significant sums. The 2019 European Games were originally due to take place in the Netherlands, which pulled out last year citing financial reasons. The inaugural European Games were held last year in Baku, Azerbaijan, and faced controversy over human rights issues and difficulties in attracting top athletes.

Source: New Zealand Herald October 19, 2016 16:41 UTC