NATO on 'high alert' for Olympics
ATHENS, Greece (Reuters) -- NATO will be on high alert during the Athens Olympics, but only Greek troops will be deployed in the country, organizers said on Monday.
U.S and Greek troops also plan to stage joint exercises in Greece from March as part of security preparations for the Games in August.
"NATO will be ready to intervene if a crisis erupts. NATO and NATO members will be on a high state of alert," said Greek Defense Minister Yannos Papandoniou.
The government has repeatedly had to allay fears among Greeks, sensitive to outside interference in domestic issues, that foreign security forces would be allowed to operate in the country during the Games.
The U.S.-Greek exercises are designed to help security forces tackle potential threats during the Games, including nuclear and chemical attacks, as organizers put final touches on the biggest security blueprint the Olympics have ever seen, Public Order Minister George Floridis said.
"In March there will be a common exercise of U.S. and Greek troops. This exercise is being designed and details will be announced at a later stage," he told reporters.
Nuclear, biological and chemical exercise
Floridis said a nuclear, biological and chemical exercise was planned for early February.
All operations would abide by Greek laws and the country's constitution, which forbids foreign forces operating in Greece unless the Parliament authorizes it, he said.
"This exercise with the Americans in Greece helps us to have the best possible planning and preparation," he said, adding that it did not necessarily mean foreign troops would be present during the Games themselves.
The United States has said it wants to use its own security guards to protect American sports teams. The Greek parliament has not yet made a decision on the matter.
A senior police official told Reuters: "At the moment there is a need for foreign assistance in matters of intelligence and experts, as in the case of responding to a potential nuclear or chemical attack. As far as troops and manpower are concerned, there are enough Greek forces to cover the demand."
Greece is spending a record $838 million to protect the world's largest sporting event, mobilizing 45,000 personnel -- three times the number used at the last summer Olympics in Sydney in 2000.
Copyright 2004
Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
