This is related to my recent post about the refusal of the Greeks to allow the United States Olympic Security detail to be armed.
I think we (the US) has to DEMAND that the Greeks allow our Olympic Security Agents be properly ARMED; otherwise we might be facing another possible Munich!
Here is the link to the story:
http://www.sportsline.com/olympics/story/6812681
Terrorists firebomb banks to 'welcome' FBI director
Nov. 7, 2003
SportsLine.com wire reports
ATHENS, Greece -- FBI Director Robert Mueller took a firsthand look Friday at Athens' security plans for next year's Olympics amid concerns that Greek police might not be taking adequate steps to protect athletes.
Within hours of Mueller's arrival, a series of firebombs damaged three banks in central Athens, police said. No injuries were reported.
In a phone call to an Athens newspaper, an unidentified man said the attacks were carried out "to welcome the FBI director" and demand the release of 19 people on trial for being alleged members of domestic terror group November 17.
Earlier Friday, Mueller honored Greek law enforcement officials for their role last year in the apparent breakup of November 17, blamed for 23 killings and many other attacks since 1975.
Although concerns about Olympics security usually focus on international terrorist networks, some small domestic groups remain active.
Mueller's visit showed that Washington still sees dangers in Greece, where anti-American sentiment is strong.
Mueller planned no public appearances during the brief stop in Athens. Even the awards ceremony for the arrests of suspected terrorists -- normally a high-profile event -- was held behind closed doors in the heavily guarded Public Order Ministry.
Mueller also held talks with top-level security officials on plans to safeguard the Aug. 13-29 Olympics -- the world's largest sports event and a potential magnet for international terrorist networks like al-Qaida.
He made no comments leaving the ministry.
The FBI and other U.S. agencies are worried that Greek authorities are not taking sufficient steps to protect athletes, officials and spectators. Gaps are seen against potential threats including snipers in the hills surrounding Athens and chemical or biological attacks.
Mueller was to meet with Public Order Minister Giorgos Floridis, the chief of the Greek police, the head of the Greek intelligence agency and members of a seven-nation group advising Greece on security planning. Those nations include the Britain, Israel and the United States.
Sources close to the talks, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that from the FBI's perspective "a lot of work still needs to be done" before the Olympics.
Those concerns, however, don't seem to be fully shared by the U.S. State Department, which expressed confidence in Greece's ability to host secure Olympics. Greece is spending an unprecedented $775 million on Olympic security.
"Greece is working with several countries, including the U.S., to ensure the full safety of the Olympic Games," the State Department said Thursday in a statement. "The Greeks have the will and the resources to hold a secure and successful Olympics, and we have every confidence they will."
FBI agents and other U.S. security officials have been helping Greece draft its security plans. The U.S. military also helped organize a planning exercise at its European command headquarters in Germany from Nov. 3 to 5 aimed at helping the Greeks identify any gaps in their planning.
"The U.S. has offered the expertise and resources of several of its agencies to Greece in order to ensure Olympic security. We are providing equipment and security training toward that end," the State Department said.
Mueller's agenda also is expected to include talks about the danger posed by the constant flow of illegal immigrants into Greece through its porous northern borders and by sea from the Turkish coast to the east.
There are fears terrorists could use immigrant smuggling networks and routes to enter Greece ahead of the Olympics.
He also is to discuss a Greek refusal to allow foreign security agents to carry weapons during the Olympics. The U.S. plans to send about 100 such agents to help protect the 800-strong U.S. Olympic delegation.
******
:banghead:
I think we (the US) has to DEMAND that the Greeks allow our Olympic Security Agents be properly ARMED; otherwise we might be facing another possible Munich!
Here is the link to the story:
http://www.sportsline.com/olympics/story/6812681
Terrorists firebomb banks to 'welcome' FBI director
Nov. 7, 2003
SportsLine.com wire reports
ATHENS, Greece -- FBI Director Robert Mueller took a firsthand look Friday at Athens' security plans for next year's Olympics amid concerns that Greek police might not be taking adequate steps to protect athletes.
Within hours of Mueller's arrival, a series of firebombs damaged three banks in central Athens, police said. No injuries were reported.
In a phone call to an Athens newspaper, an unidentified man said the attacks were carried out "to welcome the FBI director" and demand the release of 19 people on trial for being alleged members of domestic terror group November 17.
Earlier Friday, Mueller honored Greek law enforcement officials for their role last year in the apparent breakup of November 17, blamed for 23 killings and many other attacks since 1975.
Although concerns about Olympics security usually focus on international terrorist networks, some small domestic groups remain active.
Mueller's visit showed that Washington still sees dangers in Greece, where anti-American sentiment is strong.
Mueller planned no public appearances during the brief stop in Athens. Even the awards ceremony for the arrests of suspected terrorists -- normally a high-profile event -- was held behind closed doors in the heavily guarded Public Order Ministry.
Mueller also held talks with top-level security officials on plans to safeguard the Aug. 13-29 Olympics -- the world's largest sports event and a potential magnet for international terrorist networks like al-Qaida.
He made no comments leaving the ministry.
The FBI and other U.S. agencies are worried that Greek authorities are not taking sufficient steps to protect athletes, officials and spectators. Gaps are seen against potential threats including snipers in the hills surrounding Athens and chemical or biological attacks.
Mueller was to meet with Public Order Minister Giorgos Floridis, the chief of the Greek police, the head of the Greek intelligence agency and members of a seven-nation group advising Greece on security planning. Those nations include the Britain, Israel and the United States.
Sources close to the talks, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that from the FBI's perspective "a lot of work still needs to be done" before the Olympics.
Those concerns, however, don't seem to be fully shared by the U.S. State Department, which expressed confidence in Greece's ability to host secure Olympics. Greece is spending an unprecedented $775 million on Olympic security.
"Greece is working with several countries, including the U.S., to ensure the full safety of the Olympic Games," the State Department said Thursday in a statement. "The Greeks have the will and the resources to hold a secure and successful Olympics, and we have every confidence they will."
FBI agents and other U.S. security officials have been helping Greece draft its security plans. The U.S. military also helped organize a planning exercise at its European command headquarters in Germany from Nov. 3 to 5 aimed at helping the Greeks identify any gaps in their planning.
"The U.S. has offered the expertise and resources of several of its agencies to Greece in order to ensure Olympic security. We are providing equipment and security training toward that end," the State Department said.
Mueller's agenda also is expected to include talks about the danger posed by the constant flow of illegal immigrants into Greece through its porous northern borders and by sea from the Turkish coast to the east.
There are fears terrorists could use immigrant smuggling networks and routes to enter Greece ahead of the Olympics.
He also is to discuss a Greek refusal to allow foreign security agents to carry weapons during the Olympics. The U.S. plans to send about 100 such agents to help protect the 800-strong U.S. Olympic delegation.
******
:banghead: 