Greece condemns British Journalist's Reports on Olympic Security

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ATHENS ( PDO) - Greek government strongly condemned in Athens on August 15 a British tabloid's report on the security issue of the Athens Olympic Games.

Bob Graham, in his story published on Sunday Mirror, criticized the Athens Olympiad as "a terrorist's dream," claiming that he was able to work at the main stadium as a forklift operator without undergoing any background checks by organizers and leaving three fake bombs undetected in the main stadium in the end.

He further alleged that he entered the Olympic Stadium at OAKA, venue of last Friday's Opening Ceremony, with passes in the names of "Robert bin Laden" and "Michael Mouse". "Security is absolutely disgraceful.

The Games are a terrorist's dream come true," Graham said. "Given assurances from the authorities and the resources available, it is a scandal on an Olympic scale," he added. Public Order minister Voulgarakis angrily blasted the article, and stressed that the security planning for the 2004 Olympic Games was impeccable.

The report is a "deep insult to journalism and the principles of objective and responsible reporting," said the minister. He advised the journalist to read fewer crime fiction novels. "A detailed security sweep and lock-up took place at the OAKA, just like at all the Olympic installations.

The sites are absolutely secure. The security measures and controls are fully underway and meet the most stringent international criteria, utilizing the international experience and technology to the fullest," the minister explained.

"The reality itself of the Olympic Games comprises the best proof. It is others who must re-examine their ethics and actions," he added.

The security plan, which has cost Greece a record of 1.2 billion euros (about 1.5 billion US dollars), includes about 105, 000 personnel and a massive array of surveillance equipment, such as undersea sensors, street cameras and a blimp.

NATO is also providing sea patrols and AWACS surveillance planes.