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ATHENS, Greece -- The mayor of Athens urged foreign visitors
Thursday to attend the Olympics and not give in to fears of
terrorism. "Don't worry. Come to Greece. I think people will be really
safe coming over," said Mayor Dora Bakoyianni, who begins a
European and American tour Saturday to promote the city leading to
the Aug. 13-29 games. Greece's efforts to safeguard the games are the most expensive
and extensive in Olympic history, with the security budget reaching
$1.18 billion. The initial estimate was about $600 million. Olympic security concerns heightened following the March 11
terrorist bombings of four commuter trains in Madrid, Spain, that
killed 191 people and wounded more than 1,800. "I believe when cities and countries are on red alarm, the
possibilities of a terrorist attack are much less than when they
calm down," Bakoyianni said. Greece's security plans are progressing because officials
started early, she said. "We are doing everything which is humanly possible to have the
maximum of security, but it would be a fatal message to anybody if
-- before even going to the games -- we would give up ... because of
terrorism," Bakoyianni said. Officials are cooperating with a seven-nation advisory group led
by the United States and Britain. Greece also has asked for NATO's
help in securing the games. Athens organizers also met with Justice Ministry officials to
ask for more prison space during the games.
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