Olympics prompt Greek anti-terror law

Athens is concerned at security at Olympic security

ATHENS, Greece -- Greece is preparing a new anti-terrorist bill amid concerns about security at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

The new bill is expected to provide wider police access to personal data such as phone numbers and private conversations during investigations.

Greece has initiated a series of anti-crime measures following the assassination of a British diplomat last June and a bomb attack on a member of parliament in January.

The November 17 urban guerrilla group that gunned down British defence attache Stephen Saunders in June, has operated for over 25 years killing 23 Greeks and foreigners since emerging in 1975.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said: "We are currently preparing a new bill against terrorism and we are listening to many views. It is expected to be ready in March."

Olympic security

Last year Greece agreed a pact with the U.S., which gave the FBI permission to work more closely with the Greek police in stamping out organised crime.

Under the agreement, FBI agents operating in the country will be allowed greater access to Greek police inquests linked to bomb attacks, arms and drugs smuggling and cybercrime.

The U.S. agents, in return, will offer their Greek counterparts access to U.S. crime labs and systems that can help accelerate investigations.

The International Olympic Committee, during a recent inspection visit to the Greek capital, also pressed for increased safety measures during the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

The government said it was currently drafting a $600 million security plan, which includes a special forces unit to protect athletes and visitors at the Games and major surveillance all over the city.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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International Olympic Committee

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