Athens Terror Drill Deemed Success

Greece's top security official is satisfied with the results of a four-day exercise testing the country's ability to respond to terror attacks during the Athens Games.

The joint Greek-U.S. exercise, code-named "Olympic Guardian II," started Thursday and involved more than 300 security personnel.

"We were given a chance to examine various scenarios and alternatives and evaluate the country's ability to offer a secure environment in Olympic venues," Public Order Minister Giorgos Voulgarakis said Sunday. "We are very pleased with the way things are developing."

The drill was observed by senior officials from a seven-nation advisory group that includes the United States, Britain and Israel.

This month, Greece increased its Olympic security budget to more than $1.2 billion. About 70,000 police officers and soldiers will patrol Athens and Olympic venues during the Aug. 13-29 games.

Greece also has asked NATO to help safeguard the Olympics, mainly with aerial surveillance, sea patrols and protection against a chemical, biological or nuclear attack.

International concerns were heightened last week by a bomb attack on a suburban Athens police station that caused minor damage and no injuries.

"I believe that with the start of the Olympic period we will be completely ready to offer a secure environment," said Voulgarakis, who chaired the exercise.

This was the eighth security drill held. A large-scale exercise involving units from the military, police and coast guard is scheduled for next month.

Premier Costas Caramanlis will travel to the United States next week to discuss Olympic security and is scheduled to meet President Bush at the White House on Thursday.