25 June 2004

NATO Will Support Greek Security Operation for Olympics

Support to include radar planes, maritime surveillance, shared intelligence

NATO announced June 24 that it has given Greece a positive response to its request for security assistance during the Olympic Games (August 13-29) and Paralympic Games (September 17-28) in Athens.

A press release said the support includes maritime surveillance, and deployment of AWACS radar planes and elements of the alliance's Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Battalion.

Following is the release:

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NATO Press Release (2004)103
24 June 2004

NATO AGREES TO SUPPORT GREEK SECURITY OPERATION DURING OLYMPICS

The North Atlantic Council has formally agreed to respond positively to the request from the Greek Government for security assistance during the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games. NATO's support to the Greek authorities will take the form of: deployment of AWACS aircraft for the surveillance of airspace; maritime surveillance through NATO's Operation Active Endeavour; deployment of elements of the NATO Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence Battalion; enhanced intelligence sharing. NATO is also contributing to the coordination of assistance offered by nations relating to civil emergency contingencies.

The decision demonstrates Allied solidarity in contributing to security for NATO members.

NATO's efforts will support those of the Greek Government, which has full responsibility for the overall Olympic security operation.

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