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Letter To Athens 2004 Criticizes Preparations

Dennis Oswald, head of the International Olympic Committee’s 2004 oversight panel, sent a letter to Athens organizers last month asking them to deliver a clear and precise construction timetable when IOC inspectors return Nov. 21 for a three-day review. The Associated Press obtained a copy of the letter.

The letter suggests increasing frustration over Athens’ planning and the growing disillusionment of many IOC members.

Oswald’s letter covers all the main issues of interest to the IOC, including road works, accommodation and finance. Oswald wrote, “we believe that (the) situation in the construction area is at risk. For the next meeting, for all projects that have suffered delays in the last months, we would like to receive a detailed explanation about the measures that will be taken to ensure a final delivery on time’’

Oswald also expressed “great surprise” that some Olympic-related projects, such as roads that were to connect Olympic venues or lead to important facilities, have been canceled or scaled down.

Among the plans dropped: an extension road linking the Olympic Village to the main sports complex. About 17,300 athletes and officials will reside in the village during the Games.

Oswald wrote, “these decisions will nevertheless have a substantial impact on operations at Games time”.

The letter said, “by reducing the construction time frame from three-and-a-half years to nearly two years, the demand on the construction companies will be much more concentrated”.

With less than two years remaining to construct important venues for test events in the summer of 2003, time is running out quickly.

Last month Greek Premier Costas Simitis overhauled his cabinet and added six new deputy ministers to deal exclusively with the Olympic preparations, which Oswald applauded.

“This reshuffle shows the determination of the Prime Minister to strengthen the Olympic preparation. We will see if it works”, he said.

Oswald asked for English-language excerpts of all contracts because “construction timelines and terms of reference will be needed”. The letter said the plans for the International Broadcasting Center and refurbishment of the main Olympic sports complex, in the northern suburb of Maroussi, may be too grand for timetables.

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