Sydney chief briefs Greek officials

ATHENS, Greece (AP) -- The chief organizer of the Sydney Olympics advised Athens 2004 planners Tuesday on ways to connect the Olympic "jigsaw" -- from controlling crowds to guarding against terrorism.

Harried Athens organizers are hoping to tap into the Olympic experience of people such as Sydney's Michael Knight as they race against the clock after years of delays and discord.

Knight's briefing also comes on the eve of a three-day inspection by the International Olympic Committee. The IOC has recently expressed concern about road works and transport projects that may be canceled or scaled down due to lack of time and funds.

Knight described the Olympic effort as a massive puzzle. The biggest challenge is "how you make the whole jigsaw fit together," Knight said after meeting with officials including Premier Costas Simitis and his 2004 counterpart Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki.

Knight said he discussed a range of issues, including security and ways to control traffic and deal with crowds.

Another problem for Athens has been lack of cooperation between 2004 organizers and the government, which is in charge of all major Olympic works.

There appears to be more unity now, Knight said.

"There is a very strong appreciation that they are all in the one boat and not only is it necessary for them to steer in the same direction, but they also have to row in the same direction," said Knight.

In Sydney, legislation was passed that enabled organizers to have widespread power instead of bogging them down in normal bureaucracy, which contributed to Athens' delays, Knight said.

The IOC inspectors are expected to grill organizers over how many transportation projects can be finished by the August 2004 Games.

Transport Minister Christos Verelis visited the site of a proposed suburban light rail line Tuesday and promised it will be ready.

Athens' mayor has filed a suit to block the project because of fears it could actually worsen traffic in some congested areas.

Angelopoulos-Daskalaki said she was "shocked" by the legal challenge.

"We are obligated to think what will help during the games," she told a Greek radio station last week.

On Tuesday, Athens organizers hired a team of technical advisers to help oversee the construction of Olympic venues and other facilities. The group includes the Britain's Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. and a division of Dallas, Texas-based Halliburton Co.

 

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