International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge has accused Greece of spending too lavishly on the Athens Games. In an interview with the Belgian newspaper Le Soir, Rogge said the IOC had always asked for “simple structures” that would be easier to complete on time, specifically mentioning the roof covering the Olympic Stadium, which he said cost 190 million euros. He attributed the huge cost of security preparations to Greece’s “very low level of security” (infrastructure). According to Rogge, the IOC’s lesson from Athens is that “we will favour in the future candidacies with a maximum of infrastructure and a minimum of virtual plans”.
More than two million visitors are expected to arrive in Athens for the Games. About 30,000 flights from 200 destinations will touch down, with an average of 6,000 passengers coming or going very hour. A special terminal has been built to handle the influx of VIPs and the 75,000 strong Olympic family – athletes, sports federations, IOC and national Olympic committee members. Two military airports operated by the Greek air force about an hour’s drive from Athens will provide back-up. About 2,000 police and private security guards will be on 24-hour duty, said officials. The airport police force will be increased from 750 to 1,000 officers, while 1,000 private security guards will also be on duty.
The main Olympic stadium in Athens is set to stage the Greek athletics championships starting Thursday but only 8,000 spectators will be able to enter the partially completed arena and officials warned conditions will be basic. It will be the first and last chance to test the venue under competitive conditions before the Games. Work will continue on the site until the athletes arrive and after a 72-hour break it will re-start on June 13.
Greece’s two top law enforcement officials warned police Tuesday not to let their guard down during the Games despite the lack of a clear terrorist attack threat so far. In Thessaloniki security forces plan to use about 4,000 officers to safeguard the five Olympic soccer facilities and hotel complex where athletes will stay.
And finally, the Financial Crimes Squad is stepping up inspections in retail outlets, bars and clubs to test the quality of alcoholic drinks sold. It seems they are frequently doctored. There will also be checks on the legality of street vendors, especially in the country’s Olympic cities.
