Following the arrest of three members of the November 17 terrorist group Greece has received praise from a top American Olympics security expert.
David Tubbs, head of Olympic security at the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Games said, “I think Greece’s efforts are outstanding in … dealing with a problem that has been around for a long time”.
“Any effort made by any country to deter terrorism is one that will benefit not only the Olympics, but the rest of the world”.
But he cautioned that November 17 is not the only potential danger facing the Games in Greece. “I don’t think you can focus on one threat. You might have an obvious (threat) such as November 17 or the al Quaida group (but) still have to prepare for anything an organized group or a lone individual”.
Greek police are working with American and British authorities to find the November 17 terrorist group. They have also been joined by Australia, France, Grmany, Israel and Spain to draw up plans for Olympic security, for which Greece has budgeted a record $600 million.
“It’s quite obvious that uppermost on their mind is security for the Games and I am positive that Greece will respond appropriately to be prepared”, said Tubbs.
He added that securing ports, its borders and extensive coastline require special attention. “Greece has to deal with the Games as an issue and I think, from my experience there, that is starting to pick up as far as moving forward”.
IOC spokeswoman Giselle Davies told the Associated Press, “it is testament to all the hard work that has been going on behind the scenes. The news of the arrests this week in Athens is enormously encouraging”.
