ADVT:

  Home   Astrology   Business   Indiafocus   Lifestyle   Movies   News   Parenting   Online Exam   Sports   Travel
Home -> News -> World -> Full Story

Bomb blasts hit Athens 100 days before Olympics start
Wednesday, May 5 2004 20:57 Hrs (IST)

Athens: Three homemade bombs exploded outside an Athens police station early today (May 5, 2004) causing no injuries, but renewing fears about security in the Greek capital just 100 days before it hosts the 2004 Olympic Games.

As police blamed the country's Leftwing extremist groups for being behind the blasts, Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis vowed they would not jeopardise the security of the Games which start on August 13.

"This is an isolated incident which does not affect whatsoever the country's preparations for the safety of the Olympics," Karamanlis told reporters.

"The effort of the Greek people and its close cooperation with the relevant authorities of the European Union, NATO and the United States guarantee the safety of the Athens Olympic Games," Karamanlis added.

The Games, the first Summer Olympics to be held since September 11, 2001 attacks, are due to open amid unprecedented security, with NATO finalising a plan to provide air and sea surveillance.

Greece officially asked for the alliance's help after the March 11 bombings on four commuter trains in Madrid killed close to 200 people, in an attack linked to the al-Qaeda network of chief terror suspect Osama bin Laden.

Greek officials sought swiftly to blame home-grown groups for today's blasts.

"There is absolutely no reason to link this incident with the Olympics. It is a local affair," a senior police official said on condition of anonymity.

Agencies










Opinion Poll
Is Raj Thackeray going overboard with his anti-North Indian stance?
Yes
No
Can't say
    

Results | Previous Results
More News
BJP expels eight Lok Sabha MPs
3 children killed in Srinagar...
Govt will be toppled, vows...
BJP MP's house attacked by...
CPI-M politburo meets, to move...
Mayawati, Left to hold...
Maya accused of luring MPs with...
Left criticised for favouring...
Govt wins trust vote by 19...
Strong earthquake jolts Japan,
Leak at French nuclear plant...
Sangrash Samiti calls for Jammu...
Arctic holds 90 billion barrels...
US asking China to follow...
US has congratulated the UPA...
French parliament adopts law...
Osama's driver faces US...
Better Indo-Pak ties will help...
Congress supporters celebrate...
Confusion after electronic...
Prove bribery charge: Ahmed...
Worth a click
  Sarees
Baby Clothes
Jewellery
Bluetooth Headsets
Health & Fitness

Search Keywords