NATO Ambassadors Consider Greece's Request

NATO officials say they are likely to accept Greece's request for additional assistance to ensure the safety of this year's Olympic Games in Athens. It is expected that ambassadors from member countries will formally approve Greece's request in the coming days. NATO ambassadors reviewed Greece's request on Thursday but did not make a definitive decision. The Olympics are considered a major terrorist target. NATO's involvement in ensuring the safety of the games will allow for more American experts to operate under NATO supervision during the events. Direct U.S. participation in this event in Greece, where many do not support the U.S.-led war in Iraq, is politically sensitive, and the U.S. Department of Defense states that any American soldier sent to ensure security during the games will be part of NATO forces in the country. Yesterday, U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld stated that the Greek government will make all military assistance requests through NATO. Reports indicate that the U.S. will send 400 special forces soldiers to Greece. No further details about their specific duties have emerged. Greek officials have stated that they will not allow foreign guards to carry weapons for the protection of athletes. Armed guards will accompany foreign leaders, but Greece says it will take full responsibility for the protection of sports teams. So far, the costs of securing this year's Olympic Games, which will begin next month in Athens, have reached an unprecedented $1.5 billion. This figure is four times the amount spent on security for the Sydney Olympics. Meanwhile, on Thursday, Gina Angelopoulos, head of the Athens Olympic organizing committee, inaugurated unit 2292 of the Olympic Village, the largest construction project for the games.