No questioning 2004
As the government yesterday grappled with traffic, accomodation and Paralympics matters ahead of 2004, Prime Minister Costas Simitis lashed out at Athens local officials who are contesting Olympic projects in court. «It is inconceivable that there should be such reactions,» Simitis told an interministerial meeting on the 2004 Olympics. «Mayors and local officials must realize that the Olympics are a national concern, and that within a few months these projects will offer all the residents of the southern coastal suburbs a new quality of life.» Local residents fear a series of projects along the Saronic coast, including a tramway linking the area with the city center and numerous sports facilities, will curtail their access to the sea and spoil the sea front. The tram project – initial work on which started last month – in particular has attracted intense criticism from Athenians who say it has been badly and hastily designed in order to meet elusive 2004 timetables. Several municipalities have lodged appeals with the Council of State against the projects. Simitis selected the municipalities of Kallithea, Faliron and Alimos for criticism, and accused mayors of vote-grabbing ahead of the October local elections. «It is inconceivable that projects such as the tram or important sports infrastructure and the Hellenikon park should be subject to controversy because certain local officials are unable to confront reactions by small, organized interest groups,» the PM said. «The government requests that municipalities not encourage reactions out of fear of the political cost involved [in ignoring them].» The interministerial meeting also decided to draft a law by June on the process by which some 25,000 privately owned flats will be rented to visitors during the Olympics. And it discussed improving facilities for the disabled ahead of the September Paralympics. An inspection visit by International Olympic Committee officials will take place at the end of June. Meanwhile, another meeting attended by top officials from the ministers of the interior, transport, public order and public works decided to step up policing of bus-lanes and triple their length. Transport Minister Christos Verelis denied that the government intends to set up toll stations in Athens.