The world watches warily
The bomb blasts at Athens’s Kallithea police station yesterday sent waves across the world, making already jittery officials even more concerned about the safety of this August’s Olympics. But Olympic and government officials from many countries sought to allay fears that yesterday’s attack signaled a serious threat to the Games. «The IOC understands from the Greek authorities that, so far, nothing indicates this morning’s incident was related to preparations for this summer’s Olympic Games. We remain in contact with our Greek colleagues, who will keep us informed of any developments,» the International Olympic Committee said in a statement. British Prime Minister Tony Blair said, «Our present view is that the Games should go ahead as planned. Of course, we keep these things under review, but you should not take that, in any shape or form, as an indication that that is about to change. We keep in constant dialogue with them but we have every faith in the way the Greek authorities are handling this.» US Olympic Committee spokesman Darryl Siebel said, «Our position has not changed… We have every expectation and intention that our team will be in Athens for the Games in August.» Australian and French officials indicated they might review security plans for their athletes.
