Obama will not speak on Pnyx Hill because of security concerns
US President Barack Obama will not be delivering a speech on the Pnyx Hill opposite the Acropolis during his November 15-16 visit to Athens, as was originally planned, because of concerns of American security officials that the open space area will be difficult to protect.
The decision follows the hand grenade attack against the French Embassy on Thursday opposite the Greek Parliament in central Athens.
Obama’s speech will take place at an indoor location for better security, officials said.
Thursday’s attack has put authorities on red alert and prompted an emergency meeting between Alternate Minister for Citizens’ Protection Nikos Toksas and police officials later Thursday to discuss changes to the security plans in place to guard potential targets in the city.
According to estimates, some 300 American agents will participate in the security operation during the outgoing US President's trip to Greece, while 60 of them are, reportedly, already in the country.
