zenith-nadir
26th March 2004, 06:09 AM
From: Viewpoint: Olympic mess of a preparation - Friday, 26 March, 2004 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3568341.stm)
By George Kassimeris Greek political commentator --
For the first time, the Olympic torch is going global, passing through all six continents and making its journey through 34 cities in 27 countries before returning to the Greek capital in August for the opening ceremonies. To no-one's surprise Greek Olympic preparations are running behind schedule. This being Greece, it was expected. What wasn't expected is that with the Games so close, only 24 out the 39 Olympic venues would be fully completed.
In 2000 the Australians had finished all major buildings in Sydney a year before, aware that facilities should be available well in advance for vital testing, training and security purposes. But Greece is no Australia and therefore the marathon route is still not completely paved and the main Olympic stadium is missing its roof. According to the latest deadline, it won't be ready until three weeks before the Games open.
The Olympics is an enticing 'soft target', will the construction delays compromise security planning?
By George Kassimeris Greek political commentator --
For the first time, the Olympic torch is going global, passing through all six continents and making its journey through 34 cities in 27 countries before returning to the Greek capital in August for the opening ceremonies. To no-one's surprise Greek Olympic preparations are running behind schedule. This being Greece, it was expected. What wasn't expected is that with the Games so close, only 24 out the 39 Olympic venues would be fully completed.
In 2000 the Australians had finished all major buildings in Sydney a year before, aware that facilities should be available well in advance for vital testing, training and security purposes. But Greece is no Australia and therefore the marathon route is still not completely paved and the main Olympic stadium is missing its roof. According to the latest deadline, it won't be ready until three weeks before the Games open.
The Olympics is an enticing 'soft target', will the construction delays compromise security planning?