EvanL
03-11-2004, 10:54 AM
Canada joins Olympic security exercise
Overseas force bolsters 1,500 Greek officials
Two-week drill preparation for Games in Athens
MIRON VAROUHAKIS
ASSOCIATED PRESS
ATHENS—Canada is participating in a major multinational security exercise against potential terrorist threats to the Summer Olympics that began yesterday.
The two-week "Shield of Hercules 2004" exercise involves U.S. troops and coincided with the swearing-in of Greece's new conservative government.
The exercise is the most comprehensive test of efforts to safeguard the Games from possible threats, ranging from hijackings to a "dirty bomb" attack.
"Everything started smoothly. There were no problems," a senior police official, who asked not to be named, told Associated Press.
The exercise — which stretches from the southern Greek island of Crete to Athens — involves about 1,500 Greek police, coast guard, firefighters and soldiers as well as an overseas force of 400 U.S. commandos and 100 from Britain, Germany, Israel and Canada.
State radio reported that Russian advisers will also take part.
Security preparations have reached a critical stage as Greece's conservative New Democracy party returned to power after 11 years following their victory in Sunday's general elections over the long-governing socialists.
The new government, headed by Premier Costas Karamanlis, has promised not to replace top police and other security officials before the Games.
Giorgos Voulgarakis, the new public order minister, said he had received a "thorough and sincere" briefing from his predecessor, and added that Olympic security remains the top priority.
"The security of the country, especially in light of the Olympic Games, is an issue the new government gives great importance," Voulgarakis said. "This is one of the greatest undertakings we have to succeed in as a country."
Plans to safeguard the Games are the most expensive in Olympic history, costing more than $800 million (U.S.) — three times the Sydney security budget four years ago.
Greece is receiving training assistance and advice from a seven-member advisory group of nations, including the United States, Britain and Israel. NATO allies, including neighbouring Turkey, are expected to be on heightened alert during the August Games.
Measures planned in Athens include the deployment of more than 50,000 police and soldiers, more than 1,400 security cameras and aerial surveillance by helicopters, a blimp and AWACS aircraft. A no-fly zone will be imposed around Olympic venues and other sites.
Protests against the cameras and tight security have been staged in Athens and the northern city of Thessaloniki, which will host soccer preliminaries.
Groups opposing the presence of foreign troops in the country plan to stage an "anti-Olympic and anti-American" rally today.
Demonstrators are expected to march to the U.S. embassy.
Looks like JTF2 is pretty busy these days.
Overseas force bolsters 1,500 Greek officials
Two-week drill preparation for Games in Athens
MIRON VAROUHAKIS
ASSOCIATED PRESS
ATHENS—Canada is participating in a major multinational security exercise against potential terrorist threats to the Summer Olympics that began yesterday.
The two-week "Shield of Hercules 2004" exercise involves U.S. troops and coincided with the swearing-in of Greece's new conservative government.
The exercise is the most comprehensive test of efforts to safeguard the Games from possible threats, ranging from hijackings to a "dirty bomb" attack.
"Everything started smoothly. There were no problems," a senior police official, who asked not to be named, told Associated Press.
The exercise — which stretches from the southern Greek island of Crete to Athens — involves about 1,500 Greek police, coast guard, firefighters and soldiers as well as an overseas force of 400 U.S. commandos and 100 from Britain, Germany, Israel and Canada.
State radio reported that Russian advisers will also take part.
Security preparations have reached a critical stage as Greece's conservative New Democracy party returned to power after 11 years following their victory in Sunday's general elections over the long-governing socialists.
The new government, headed by Premier Costas Karamanlis, has promised not to replace top police and other security officials before the Games.
Giorgos Voulgarakis, the new public order minister, said he had received a "thorough and sincere" briefing from his predecessor, and added that Olympic security remains the top priority.
"The security of the country, especially in light of the Olympic Games, is an issue the new government gives great importance," Voulgarakis said. "This is one of the greatest undertakings we have to succeed in as a country."
Plans to safeguard the Games are the most expensive in Olympic history, costing more than $800 million (U.S.) — three times the Sydney security budget four years ago.
Greece is receiving training assistance and advice from a seven-member advisory group of nations, including the United States, Britain and Israel. NATO allies, including neighbouring Turkey, are expected to be on heightened alert during the August Games.
Measures planned in Athens include the deployment of more than 50,000 police and soldiers, more than 1,400 security cameras and aerial surveillance by helicopters, a blimp and AWACS aircraft. A no-fly zone will be imposed around Olympic venues and other sites.
Protests against the cameras and tight security have been staged in Athens and the northern city of Thessaloniki, which will host soccer preliminaries.
Groups opposing the presence of foreign troops in the country plan to stage an "anti-Olympic and anti-American" rally today.
Demonstrators are expected to march to the U.S. embassy.
Looks like JTF2 is pretty busy these days.